Citizen First leader, Kalaba, criticizes Electoral Commission as candidate barred from Pambashe polls

Citizen First (CF) president, Harry Kalaba, has called for urgent reforms at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), accusing the body of hindering democracy after the party’s candidate was disqualified from the Pambashe Parliamentary by-election.

CF candidate, Eskaya Kayumba’s nomination was rejected in Kawambwa’s Pambashe Constituency for presenting an outdated voter’s card.

Speaking in an interview, Kalaba expressed sympathy for ECZ officials, claiming they were under pressure.

“The ECZ needs our help. They are working under immense pressure and felt intimidated by our presence in Pambashe. But this is just a hurdle; we are still in this game,” Kalaba stated.

Kayumba, whose candidature was supported by the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), was among those vying for the seat left vacant after Ronald Chitotela’s conviction.

Four candidates successfully filed their nominations at Mushota Primary School, where Returning Officer Michael Mwansha officiated the process starting at 09:00 hours.

1. Williams Mwenya (Forum for Democracy and Development, FDD), backed by the Tonse Alliance

2. James Chabi (Socialist Party)

3. Justin Kapema (United Party for National Development, UPND)

4. Honorato Kanunsha (Democratic Union, DU)

Notably, the New Congress Party and independent candidates did not participate.

Drama unfolded when Movement for Change and Equality (M4CE) candidate Derick Mwape failed to raise the required nomination fees despite being given extra time, leaving him unable to file by the close of nominations.

Pambashe residents are set to vote in the by-election on February 6, 2024.

WARNING: All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.