Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to provide clarity and ensure transparency following the withdrawal of three opposition and independent candidates from the Mandevu parliamentary by-election.
The candidates are Daniel Chisenga of the FDD/Tonse Alliance, Ntazana Musukuma of the Leadership Movement and independent candidate Daniel Daka.
Dr M’membe says the ECZ has a constitutional responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process and the voters’ right to choose, rather than facilitate what he describes as uncontested walkovers for the ruling party.
He has urged the people of Mandevu and Zambians at large not to be discouraged, but to remain vigilant, organised and resolute in defending democracy.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has not yet commented on the matter.
By Best Jere
