Vice President Mutale Nalumango has strongly defended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), dismissing recent calls for the removal of its commissioners as baseless and politically driven. Addressing Parliament, she reaffirmed the Commission’s integrity and urged critics to evaluate officials based on performance rather than presumed political ties.
Responding to a question regarding allegations that some commissioners are sympathetic to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Vice President Nalumango stood firm.
“Is the ECZ doing well? I think they are,” she said. “I don’t know any UPND commissioner that deserves to be removed.”
She emphasized that while every citizen may hold personal political views, those in public office are bound by duty to serve with neutrality.
“In Zambia, we all have an inclination to a political party, but the offices we occupy compel us to act in a non-partisan manner,” she explained. “When someone becomes a commissioner, their conscience should lead them to serve above political interests.”
The Vice President noted that accusations of political bias in constitutional institutions have existed under various administrations. However, she warned that constant political labeling weakens public confidence in national institutions meant to serve the people.
Turning to another matter raised in Parliament, Vice President Nalumango addressed growing concerns over the circulation of pornographic materials involving minors on social media platforms. Despite the presence of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, she acknowledged the disturbing trend of teenagers—especially girls—engaging in explicit behavior online.
“These are our children,” she said. “Yes, the President has spoken about upholding national values and Christian principles, but those values start in the home.”
She attributed the behavior to a breakdown in parenting and stressed the importance of families taking a proactive role in shaping moral discipline and responsibility.
“We may not have watched these videos, but we’ve heard. Some parents are reportedly leaving their children vulnerable, thinking they are in safe homes,” she said. “It’s sad.”
Ms. Nalumango also noted the growing influence of money and peer pressure, which she believes are pulling young people into dangerous territory.
“The love of money is another evil drawing our children into this,” she warned. “Pornography should never become a business in Zambia.”
The Vice President ended her statement with a heartfelt appeal to all Zambians to take both personal and collective action to preserve the country’s moral foundations.
“We must all act. It starts with each family. One family can influence a community positively or negatively,” she said. “It’s a painful reality, but we cannot shy away from it.”
Her remarks served as both a defense of institutional integrity and a call to safeguard the nation’s values in an evolving digital era.