TWO CANDIDATES PULL OUT OF RACE AMID ALLEGED BACKROOM DEAL
BWD INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST
A political storm is brewing in Mongu after the sudden withdrawal of Telly Mubita and Mwala Kalaluka from the election race, triggering claims of a secret deal and high-level political intervention behind the scenes.
Sources familiar with the matter allege that the two candidates agreed to withdraw after reportedly receiving compensation linked to their participation in the elections. The alleged arrangement is said to have been brokered by Charles Lubasi Milupi, who reportedly travelled to Mongu last week and held a closed-door meeting with the candidates at his St. John residence.
The controversy has intensified amid claims that Milupi was sent to engage the aspiring candidates following concerns over party members opting to contest as independents. Sources further allege that the mission was aimed at restoring party discipline and protecting relations with alliance partners ahead of a fiercely contested election.
The developments have sparked widespread speculation and heated debate within political circles, with many questioning what transpired behind closed doors and whether powerful political figures played a role in influencing the candidates’ decision to step aside.
Despite the growing public interest, none of the individuals named in the allegations have publicly confirmed or denied the claims. Their silence has only added fuel to the controversy, leaving supporters and critics searching for answers.
As the election season gathers momentum, the Mongu saga is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about political stories, raising fresh questions about internal party dynamics, political influence, and the events that led to the dramatic withdrawal of the two candidates.
Will the full story eventually emerge, or will the mystery surrounding the withdrawals deepen as the campaign heats up?