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Keith Mweemba, one of the previously disqualified candidates in the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) presidential election, has been cleared to contest in the upcoming polls.
This decision marks a significant shift in the race, which was initially expected to be a walkover for incumbent Andrew Kamanga following the disqualification of several challengers.
According to a statement issued by FAZ in Lusaka on Thursday, Mweemba had been ruled out after it was alleged that he was nominated by a non-affiliated FAZ member.
However, the FAZ Electoral Appeals Committee overturned this decision, reinstating him in the race.
His successful appeal sets the stage for a highly competitive election next month.
Read more: Football house may be ruffled as disqualified FAZ candidate, Mweemba, slams election process
Mweemba’s return is part of a broader trend, with other disqualified candidates also having their appeals upheld.
The statement confirmed that Emmanuel Munaile and Adrian Kashala, both initially barred from running, have now been cleared to contest the presidency as well.
With these developments, the election landscape has drastically changed. What was once an uncontested path for Kamanga has now become a competitive race.
“The FAZ Electoral Appeals Committee has concluded its sittings and formally notified all applicants of its decisions on the matters presented before it. Naturally, some appeals were successful while others were thrown out,” FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga stated.
He reiterated FAZ’s commitment to fairness and due process, noting that candidates who remain dissatisfied with the rulings still have the option to escalate their cases.
“FAZ embraces the principle of separation of powers, which sees all the bodies make independent decisions. From now, those who still feel aggrieved can seek recourse with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS),” Kamanga added.
With the presidential race now open to multiple candidates, Kamanga will have to campaign to secure his re-election—something that seemed unlikely just weeks ago when many of his challengers had been disqualified.
However, while Mweemba, Munaile, and Kashala have successfully re-entered the race, not all candidates were as fortunate, as some disqualifications were upheld by the committee.
Meanwhile, FAZ announced that provincial elections would commence on March 15, 2025, following the conclusion of sittings by the Electoral Appeals Committee.
Kamanga confirmed that the Committee had reviewed 72 cases filed by various candidates.
As a result, four appellants at the presidential level were successful, bringing the total number of candidates on the ballot to five.
In total, 48 appeals were successful, including the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) slot, which had previously lacked successful nominations.
“The FAZ Electoral Appeals Committee concluded its sittings and formally notified all applicants of its decisions.
While some appeals were successful, others were dismissed,” Kamanga said in a statement issued Thursday.
“FAZ upholds the principle of separation of powers, with all bodies making independent decisions.
Those who remain aggrieved may seek recourse with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”
The FIFA-approved electoral roadmap remained on track, with provincial elections scheduled to begin on March 15, starting with Southern Province.
Subsequent elections would take place in Lusaka, Central, and North Western Provinces on March 16, 17, and 18, respectively.
Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Western, and Eastern Provinces will hold their elections from March 20 to March 27.
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