By Respite Kaoma/Morgan Chomba,
The Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has called for the declaration of assets and liabilities as a key measure to enhance transparency and accountability among public officials.
Speaking in an interview with Mafken News, TIZ Advocacy, Policy and Research Manager Bright Chizonde said asset declaration is often misunderstood as a witch hunt, when in fact it serves as a protective mechanism for both public officials and national resources.
Mr. Chizonde noted that declaring assets helps demonstrate integrity, safeguard public resources, and improve transparency, particularly in high-risk sectors such as public infrastructure management.
He has since urged lawmakers to expedite legislation on asset declaration and called for increased sensitisation to help public officials appreciate its importance.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Advocates for Good Governance Foundation, Gideon Musonda, has called for stronger laws to compel political players to declare their assets before taking up public office, as well as the establishment of a system to audit and verify such declarations.
Mr. Musonda noted that while candidates are required to declare assets and liabilities when filing nominations with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the current framework lacks adequate mechanisms to verify the accuracy of the information submitted.
He has also urged aspiring candidates for the 2026 general elections to begin preparing early for the nomination process.
