Operation Young Vote (OYV) says the provisions of article 52 (6) of the Zambian Constitution must be looked at to avoid candidates with bad intentions delaying scheduled elections.
According to interpretations, Article 52(6), of the Zambian constitution vests discretionary powers in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to cancel an election and call for fresh nominations if a candidate dies or withdraws from the race after nominations have taken place.
OYV Executive Director, Guess Nyirenda, therefore says President Hakainde Hichilema may have exaggerated the number of years that an election may fail to take place but that it is a possibility to have an election cancelled based on the constitutional provisions.
It would work well for an opposition that is not ready for an election to pull out after nominations, said Mr. Nyirenda in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, further saying even a ruling party that wants to remain in power without an election may abuse the said constitutional provision.
Mr. Nyirenda said article 52 (6) is a bad provision in the Zambian Constitution and must be dealt with.
By Eva Hatontola
