RE: URGENT CLARIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION INTO THE REPORTED WITHDRAWAL OF MR DANIEL CHISENGA
The Forum for Democracy and Development writes regarding reports that our parliamentary candidate, Mr. Daniel Chisenga, has withdrawn from the Mandevu by-election scheduled for 5 November 2026.
These reports follow concerns raised about threats to his security. We therefore request urgent verification of the circumstances surrounding the purported withdrawal, including whether it was authentic, voluntary and submitted in accordance with applicable electoral requirements.
We ask the Commission to provide FDD with a copy of any withdrawal notice attributed to Mr. Chisenga, identify when and how it was received, and confirm the action taken by the Returning Officer.
The Commission should also explain the legal basis and consequences of accepting a withdrawal after nominations, including any implications for the scheduled election and the status of our candidate. We believe that this be done as a matter of urgency.
Given the seriousness of the security concerns, we request your confidential engagement with Mr. Chisenga to establish whether threats, coercion, inducements or other improper pressure influenced his decision. Any suspected electoral misconduct should be investigated, with appropriate protection for witnesses.
If it is found that the FDD candidate, collectively supported by the TONSE-PAMODZI ALLIANCE, was put in an unattainable situation for him to continue, **we strongly request that the elections scheduled for 5th November be put-off and rescheduled for a time in which we can be given an opportunity to identify another candidate.**
*Footer: Zambia First*
*(Stamp: Electoral Commission of Zambia, Received Registry, 30 OCT 2026, P.O. Box 50274, Lusaka, “Endorsing Your Choice”)*
We request for this postponement because it cannot be said that the situation regarding our candidates’ withdrawal falls within the ambit of a free and fair electoral contest between political parties. The Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, standing under the vehicle of the FDD, seeks a transparent process that protects both the candidate’s freedom of decision and public confidence in the electoral system as well as that of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). Anything falling short of this standard is a travesty of justice for all of us; a travesty that denigrates our claim for a fair and just, level playing field.
We remain available to submit supporting information and meet the Commission urgently, towards our request for the rescheduling of the 5th November, 2026 bye-election in Mandevu Constituency of Lusaka district.
Yours faithfully
Nathan Mulonga
Secretary General
Forum for Democracy and Development