Mandevu polls face cancellation again
…as independent candidate withdrawals
By AARON CHIYANZO
THE Mandevu parliamentary election in Lusaka will again be cancelled to pave way for fresh nominations following the withdrawal from the race by an independent candidate, Nicholas Chabala.
Article 52(6) of the Republican Constitution provides that 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 of Zambia (ECZ) shall cancel the election.
This will then require the filing of fresh nomination and elections shall be held within 30 days of the filing of the fresh nominations.
The Mandevu Parliamentary elections were cancelled last month and refresh nominations called following the death of Zambian United for Sustainable Development party candidate, Melody Musutu.
According to a resignation letter addressed to ECZ director, Kryticous Nshindano, Mr Chabala cited extreme political violence in constituency.
“From the time I lodged in my nomination on July 12, 2020. I have received threats that border on my life and my close associates. The unprecedented levels of electoral violence have contributed to my decision of withdrawing from this race,” the letter reads in part.
Mr Chabala said the playing field in Mandeve was uneven and only favoured a few candidates who were able to campaign.
He said the campaign space in the constituency had been very difficult for him, making it an academic exercise to participate in the election.
“I have arrived at this very difficult but necessary decision after very serious soul searching and wide consultation with my family members,” the letter also reads.
