LAWYERS CLASH OVER ECZ CHAIRPERSON’S REMARKS
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 13 January 2025
By Comfort Nthala
Lusaka lawyer Celestine Mukandila has criticized the statement attributed to Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, claiming it poses a threat to national security.
Speaking recently at a Political Party Liaison Committee meeting in Petauke, Mrs. Zaloumis expressed concerns about candidates who resign or withdraw after being nominated, describing it as a disruption to the electoral process and a waste of resources.
She emphasized that such actions undermine the ECZ’s mandate and negatively affect other candidates, political parties, voters, and the public.
In an interview on Mafken FM’s Express Chit Chat Review, Mr Mukandila accused Mrs Zaloumis of failing to uphold the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Lusaka lawyer McQueen Zaza defended the ECZ Chairperson’s statement, asserting that her remarks were a cautionary measure aimed at preventing candidates from stepping down after nomination.
He expressed confidence that Mrs Zaloumis, given her qualifications and experience, would not act in violation of the Constitution.
