ECZ did not conspire with NRPUP to block candidates in Lumezi – Kasaro
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia has dismissed allegations of conspiring with the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) to block opposition candidates from contesting in the November 5 by-elections.
The commissions response follows infomation
contained in a story titled “Mwangala Zaloumis at it Again: ECZ Accused of Colluding to
Block Opposition Candidates in Key By-Elections.
In a statement, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said NRPUP formally notified the Commission on Wednesday that it would not participate in any of the scheduled by-elections.
According to Kasaro, the party also requested the ECZ not to accept or process adoption certificates presented by candidates under its banner.
“In the letter, the party informed the Commission of its decision not to participate in all the by-elections scheduled for 5th November 2026.”
“Following receipt of the letter, the
Commission issued a notice on Wednesday, 7th October 2026, communicating the
party’s decision to the relevant District Electoral Officers and providing guidance on thehandling of nominations as regards the NRPUP,” stated Kasaro.
NRPUP also confirmed with Kalemba that it will not participate through its secretary general Nonde Mubanga who cited financial constraints and internal party wrangles as the cause for their inability to participate in all by elections which include, two parliamentary, one mayoral and 11 local government by-elections.
This action by the main opposition party left the battle for Lumezi North to two candidates, Leadership Movement candidate Nebby Manda and Anderson Banda of the ruling UPND.
However, Manda withdrew from the race by resigning from the Lumezi North parliamentary by-election on nomination day.
At the close of nomination, ECZ had no choice but to crown the only candidate standing, Banda as the winner.
“Mr. Anderson Banda of the UPND remained the only validly nominated candidate for the Lumezi North Constituency by-election and was consequently declared duly elected Member of Parliament… effective 5th
November, 2026. This is in line with Regulations 20 (3) and 52 (2) of the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, 2016.” Kasaro stated.
Therefore, the Commision urged political parties, candidates, the media and the public to avoid spreading misleading information that could undermine the electoral process.
Kalemba October 10, 2026