INVESTIGATE THE WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATES SAYS MWAMBA TO THE ACC
Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba has urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to conduct an immediate investigation into candidates who withdraw from electoral races, labeling these actions as corrupt.
He highlighted that candidates previously incurred significant costs by paying taxes to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), local authorities, and nomination fees to the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
The abrupt withdrawals, he argues, disadvantage communities and voters by limiting democratic choices and appear to favor certain individuals, such as Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, who is now unopposed in Liuwa due to the withdrawal of rival Kememe Mooka.
Mwamba expressed concern over other candidate withdrawals, including Frezah Benkele in Keembe West and Michelo Haluyasa in Dundumwezi, which have left their respective opponents unchallenged. He pointed out the worrying trend in Kalomo, where several independent candidates withdrew, resulting in Harry Komboni being unopposed, further fostering suspicions of corruption.
In light of recent amendments to Article 52(6) of the Constitution, which removed the option for fresh nominations, Mwamba criticized these withdrawals as undermining Zambia’s electoral and democratic processes, rendering them susceptible to corrupt practices
Additionally, he called for ACC scrutiny into the resignations of senior civil servants who entered partisan politics but returned to their positions after party non-endorsement, a move against Cabinet Office Circular Number 10 of 2026. This circular mandates resignations to uphold integrity and professionalism within the public service.