THREE MWALE RELATIVES BATTLE FOR TONSE ALLIANCE TICKET
By Anthony Chimba
The Tonse Alliance adoption race in Lumezi North is attracting attention after three members of the Mwale family reportedly applied to represent the alliance in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
Those seeking consideration are Clement Mwale Jr., 33, a lawyer and son of the late former candidate Clement Mwale; Margaret Mwale, 68, his sister and a lecturer at the University of Zambia; and Isaac Banda, 66, a former Lumezi MP and first cousin of the late Clement Mwale.
The development has sparked questions among some party members and observers about whether the adoption process is becoming a family affair, and whether other qualified aspirants will have an equal opportunity to compete.
Margaret Mwale’s reported candidacy also raises questions about the constitutional requirements applicable to public officers seeking election. Article 186(1) of the Constitution addresses resignation requirements for public officers seeking State office, while Article 70(2) sets out circumstances that may disqualify a person from election as an MP.
Family ties do not, by themselves, prevent anyone from seeking public office. But with three relatives reportedly competing for one ticket, the spotlight is firmly on the Tonse Alliance to ensure the process is open and competitive.
For Lumezi North, the bigger question is simple, will voters be offered a broad choice of candidates and ideas, or will the contest become dominated by one family name?