First instance body dealing with electoral disputes

Electoral Act 2006

110. (1) Whenever the Commission,the Director of Elections,

an election officer or anyperson is required under this Act to decide

an objection, dispute,complaint or an appeal, the Commission or

that person may attempt toresolve the issue, that is the subject of the objection, dispute, complaint orappeal, through conciliation or mediation.

(2) The Commission shallprescribe the manner for handling any objection, dispute, complaint or appealunder this Act.

111. (1) The Commission shall,for purposes of resolving electoral disputes, constitute such number ofconflict management committees as the Commission may determine.

http://aceproject.org/regions-en/eisa/ZM/Electoral%20%20Act%202006.pdf

EU 2011EOM Report, pg 19: Inaccordance with the Electoral Act and Code of Conduct, 75 conflict management

Committees (CMCs), one for each district and one at national level, were establishedin August 2011.

http://www.eueom.eu/files/pressreleases/english/eueom_zambia_final_report_en.pdf

Electoral Commission of Zambia 2011 Conflict ManagementReport, pg 7

Notwithstanding, these powers, theCommittees have limitations and cannot for example; disqualify the electioncandidature of any person, declare or announce the election results. TheCommittees cannot re-count or order the recount of votes, or usurp the role ofelection officers. The Committee cannot fine or imprison a person.