By NOEL IYOMBWA
THE PATRIOTIC Front (PF) has protested the failure by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend Monze Central parliamentary elections following the withdrawal of an independent candidate, Mambo Musute from race.
But the ECZ said it was waiting for official communication from the candidate and that it would respect the constitution in all its operations.
PF media director, Antonio Mwanza, said in the same manner ECZ cancelled elections in Mandevu, Lusaka Central and Mpulungu constituencies where candidates either died or withdrew from the race, it should also cancel the Monze Central election.
He said that it was unfortunate that the same Bill 10 which the opposition Members of Parliament shot down did not go through to clear lacunas in the constitution.
Mr Mwanza said that it was Articles such as 52 (6) which the PF members wanted to get rid of because it was a big problem but the opposition refused.
“The opposition thought it was just a plot to preserve President Edgar Lungu when in fact not, now it is the same Article that is haunting people like Jack Mwiimbu who were busy shooting down Bill 10.
“We demand that ECZ should also suspend Monze Central elections because Mambo Musute, the independent candidate, withdrew from the race,” he said.
Mr Mwanza noted that having fresh nominations could be a drawback and that this was what the opposition who were against the Bill would be subjected to.
But ECZ Public Relations Manager, Patricia Luhanga, said they would cancel the election after receiving formal communication on the withdrawal.
“We will wait for official communication. Please note that our statement covers all resignations and any other issues cited under Article 52(6) of the Republican Constitution,” Ms Luhanga said.
Nominations for Lusaka Central, Mandevu and Mpulungu parliamentary seats in the August 12 general elections have been cancelled and candidates will file fresh papers and pay nomination fees again.
This follows the death and withdrawals of some contestants from the elections after they had filed their nominations on May 17.
Parliamentary candidates will pay ECZ fresh nomination fees of K13, 500 for females and K15, 000 for male contenders.
Filing of fresh nominations will also be conducted in Kamakonde ward in Kitwe’s Bwacha constituency and Matanda ward in Kafue on a date to be announced by ECZ.
