Parliamentary nominations underway
The Electoral Commission of Zambia- ECZ, is conducting parliamentary nominations across the country today, May 31, 2016.
Zambia goes to the General Elections on August 11th 2016. The hotly contested elections have seen political party’s using tactical and underhand methods to systematically outdo each other in strategy. By Press time no political party has unveiled the list of all candidates. The general public is expected to know who their candidates are through the official announcement from ECZ of the successful candidates.
Zambia goes to the polls with a constitution Amendment act which forbids a Member of Parliament to re-contest the seat either after resigning, court nullifications or changing of the political party in the lifetime of the National Assembly. If an MP crosses the floor, new elections will be called and the immediate past MP is disqualified to stand. In the case of nullification, the Candidate who came second automatically will be field in as the Member of Parliament.
In the recent past, MPs crosses the floor at free will and contest their seats without any legislative piece restraining them.
Some of the notable rumored nominations amongst political party’s is that of Information Minister who retains his Roan seat as a candidate for the ruling PF, former President Michael Sata’s son Mulenga who is standing in Kabwata constituency at UPND ticket. FDD’s Anthonia Mwanza is being field in Munali whilst Foreign Affairs Minister Harry goes back to his Bahati Seat. Mazabuka’s Garry Nkombo and Chongwe’s Sylvia Masebo are expected to file in under the UPND ticket.
Former MPs like Dr Joseph Katema, Fackson Shamenda, Gerry Chanda and Wilbur Simuusa are some casualties are rumored not to be adopted. The actual list of candidates is expected to come from the ECZ. By Press time, supporters have started trooping in at various nomination centers.