The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has acknowledged that Article 52 (6) of the Zambian constitution, poses challenges in the implementation of nominations and the electoral process, regarding what should happen in the event that a candidate withdraws, resigns, dies or becomes disqualified for corruption or malpractice.
ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, has cited the cancellation of the Kayo Ward By-election in Mwansabombwe District on 12th January, 2024, triggered by the resignation of a candidate of the Citizen First Party.
“This cancellation was done after the Commission had conducted its nominations and was scheduled to hold the polls,” said Ms. Zaloumis during the orientation of the electoral reform technical committee meeting in Lusaka today.
She said in instances where Article 52 (6) has been successfully invoked, the Commission has had no option but to cancel the nomination and call for a fresh election.
“Such a provision is therefore subject to abuse by candidates as has been seen in the past and has the potential of disrupting the electoral process,” said Ms. Zaloumis.
Ms. Zaloumis also cited an instance where there was a disruption of the electoral process in Mayembe Ward Shiwangandu District when one candidate was coerced to resign from the election by another political party without the knowledge of his sponsoring party.
She also said there are serious costs attributed to the cancellation of an election both to the Commission and the participating candidates, which have to be taken into consideration every time that this provision is invoked.
Ms. Zaloumis also indicated that there are other provisions in the Constitution and the Electoral Process Act that need to be addressed in order to ensure the smooth implementation of the electoral process.
By Eva Hatontola
