THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has cancelled three Parliamentary nominations in Mandevu, Lusaka Central and Mpulungu Constituency.
The Commission has since called for fresh nominations for eligible candidates. This follows the death of Zambian United for sustainable Development party candidate Melody Musutu and the resignation of candidates in Lusaka Central, Mpulungu constituency and Kamakonde ward.
ECZ corporate affairs manager Patricia Luhanga said it is clear that in the event of the death of a candidate after the nomination process, the law requires the cancellation of elections which calls for fresh nominations for eligible candidates.
“The Commission would like to clarify as follows, Article 52(6) of the Republican Constitution offers guidance on the procedures to take following the death of a candidate after the close of nominations and before the polls. The said Article provides as follows: 52(6) Where a candidate dies, resigns or becomes disqualified in accordance with Article 70, 100 or 153 or a court disqualifies a candidate for corruption or malpractice, after the close of nominations and before the election date, the Electoral Commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations,” she stated.
Ms Luhanga further clarified that all aspiring candidates including those who had originally filed in nominations will be required to pay the prescribed nomination fee.
“Given that this is a Constitutional provision, the Commission is bound to comply without any discretion to do otherwise. The Commission also recognises that this process may inconvenience stakeholders especially political parties who will be required to do fresh nominations. In this regard, the Commission will be conducting fresh nominations for Mandevu Constituency, Lusaka, necessitated by the death of Mrs Melody Musutu and the resignation of three candidates namely Charity Lumpa in Lusaka Central Constituency, Gilbert Bwali Musonda in Mpulungu Constituency, Mpulungu and Mr Chewe Kateule in Kamakonde Ward, Bwacha Constituency in Kitwe.
Yesterday, the Law Association of Zambia and Lusaka lawyer Dickson Jere called on ECZ to cancel the nominations.
