WITHDRAWN CANDIDATES BARRED FROM PR SEATS – EXPERT
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) has clarified that candidates who withdraw after nominations cannot benefit from proportional representation seats.
ZCLU Executive Director Isaac Mwanza stated that once nominations close, the law does not permit withdrawal.
Mwanza added that even if a candidate announces withdrawal, their name remains on the ballot.
He observed that such candidates will still be voted for but are likely to lose without campaigning.
Mwanza noted that losing an election carries constitutional consequences that block future appointments.
He advanced that both presidential nominations and ministerial appointments are barred for those who contested and lost.
Mwanza said that Section 36C(4) of the Electoral Process Amendment Act prohibits parties from nominating such individuals to PR seats.
He affirmed that the law applies equally to independents and party candidates.
Mwanza emphasised that the amendments were introduced to prevent unserious contenders from exploiting loopholes.
He explained that candidates who remain on the ballot but withdraw will lose and cannot later qualify for PR seats.
Mwanza stressed that those who contest must stay and fight, as the ballot can no longer be used as a bargaining tool.
