SP QUESTIONS ECZ OVER TIGHT BY-ELECTION TIMETABLE
….ECZ is tilting Electoral Process to benefit the ruling party, says Dr Musumali
Lusaka… Monday September 15, 2025 – The Socialist Party (SP) has accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of manipulating the electoral process to favour the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in the upcoming ward by-elections.
This follows ECZ’s announcement on Friday that nominations for the Nakato Ward by-election in Mongu District and the Chisankane Ward by-election in Kafue District will take place tomorrow, September 16, with voting set for October 2.
Socialist Party General Secretary Dr. Cosmas Musumali, said the timeframe is unreasonable and disadvantages opposition parties.
“There is only one working day, Monday, September 15, to organise the candidates and the required clearances. Unless a political party had prior knowledge of this announcement, it is almost impossible to be ready for the Tuesday nominations,” Dr. Musumali said.
He argued that because the two seats were previously held by the UPND, the ruling party could have been tipped off in advance.
“It would not be wrong to conclude that they were in communication with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and are ready for these nominations and elections,” he charged.
Dr. Musumali further criticised the campaign period of just two weeks, describing it as a violation of fair play.
“This is certainly not the way to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. It is unacceptable electoral process manipulation intended to advantage the UPND and disadvantage the opposition,” he said.
The Socialist Party leader added that the ECZ leadership is eroding public trust by aligning itself too closely with the government.
“The leadership of the Electoral Commission of Zambia should carry out its work with sufficient honour and integrity to win public confidence and respect,” Dr. Musumali said.
From 2021 you have seen how Mwangala Zaloumis ‘s ECZ has been conducting Elections. From Kabwata, Kabushi and Kwacha Parliamentary Bye Elections to all the local government Elections, it has always been a sham.
If you think the Presidential and General Elections in 2026 will be any different,then you don’t know the Person you are up against.
The time is now to demand Free and Fair Elections. You won’t be given Free and Fair Elections on a Silver Platter. You have to ‘fight’ for this.
Organize a National Indaba to discuss the management of Elections in Zambia under Mwangala Zaloumis ‘s ECZ. Do an appraisal of all Elections she has suprintended over from 2021, and if found wanting, demand that she be removed from her position.
Demand Transparency of the Electoral process to the very minute detail…NRC registration, Mobile NRC registration, Continuous Voter Registration, Census Results, Appointment of Returning Officers, Election Observers, Monitors, Dispute Resolution..and the Printing of Ballots.
Hakainde and his Zealots took the ECZ to task when they were in Opposition. He never gave them space..
A Lassie fair attitude and feeble statements won’t help you in any way.
Hold the Bull by its horns.
Surely can you allow your self to continue being manipulated like this?
How do you organize Candidates if ECZ can announce today that Nominations are tomorrow?
Political Parties should stand up and be counted. This is the time to ‘ fight ‘ for your rights..2026 will be too late.
Busy bee…