UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Central aspiring candidate Mulambo Haimbe has demanded for a reversal of the cancellation of the nomination for Lusaka central from the Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ).
In a letter addressed to the Commission, Mr Haimbe said the decision to reverse the nomination is unreasonable and void, as the law does not clothe the commission with any powers under the law to cancel the election or call for fresh nominations in the circumstances.
“Withdrawal from contesting an election by an independent candidate is separate and distinct from resignation as envisaged under article 52(6) aforementioned. The Commission is requested to issue the requisite notice reversing it’s earlier announcement forthwith. Failing which the undersigned shall constrained to take out the necessary to protect his interest,” reads the letter in parts.
This week, ECZ cancelled three Parliamentary nominations in Mandevu, Lusaka Central and Mpulungu constituency.
The Commission 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. – Mwebantu