ECZ WARNING ON ADOPTION CERTIFICATES SERIOUS – MWILA
Aspiring Lusaka Mayor Simon Mulenga Mwila has warned political parties against ignoring the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) directive on presidential nominations, saying the matter should not be treated lightly.
Mr Mwila said the notice recently issued by ECZ was not about barring candidates whose names do not appear in the Registrar of Societies records, but rather about ensuring that adoption certificates are signed by officials legally recognised by the Registrar of Societiesm
He explained that the Commission had made it clear that adoption papers must only be signed by recognised office bearers and not by factions or parallel leaders within political parties.
Mr Mwila noted that many political parties could face challenges because of ongoing leadership wrangles, suspensions, expulsions and competing claims over party leadership positions.
He said elections were legal processes that required order and clarity, adding that ECZ was attempting to prevent confusion during the nomination process.
Mr Mwila cited the Patriotic Front (PF) as an example, saying confusion could arise if different factions within the party issued separate adoption certificates signed by rival leaders such as Miles Sampa and Robert Chabinga.
He questioned which signatures ECZ would recognise and which adoption papers would be considered valid under such circumstances.
According to Mr Mwila, some political parties were taking a risky approach by assuming ECZ would eventually bend under political pressure.
He warned that once nomination papers are rejected, public emotions and media briefings would not reverse the legal consequences.
Mr Mwila further criticised what he described as a culture of challenging state institutions, particularly within his former party, PF, despite the party having previously been in government and fully understanding how public institutions operate.
He said the same approach had previously cost PF the Kabushi and Kwacha parliamentary seats after the party fielded candidates whose eligibility was disputed.
Mr Mwila stated that instead of resolving the matter early, the party chose to challenge the system, a move he said ultimately benefited the ruling UPND.
He stressed that ECZ was simply urging political parties to put their internal affairs in order before nominations begin.
Mr Mwila advised political parties to resolve leadership disputes, regularise their records, respect their constitutions and ensure that their adoption processes comply with the law.
He said once nominations commence, legal requirements would take precedence over politics and emotions.
Mr Mwila is an aspiring Mayor of Lusaka and a legal practitioner.