Opposition Urges Chilubi Postponement
Opposition parties the UPND and the NDC are seeking an order from the High Court to postpone tomorrow’s by-election in Chilubi. The application is based on allegations that there have been multiple injustices during the campaign period that prevent the poll from being free and fair.
Among the grievances of the opposition are the alleged unequal coverage by state broadcaster ZNBC and claims that the police have not been applying the law fairly to all political actors.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili claim they were hounded out of the island by police officers during the weekend in order to make way for the PF campaign team.
The UPND also claims that its members were attacked on Tuesday evening in Ndela Ward, Chilubi Mainland, in full view of the police. However, conflicting reports have come from the PF, with PF Media Director Sunday Chanda claiming the UPND was responsible for the attack that left two UPND members with head injuries.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has previously responded to claims that the PF government had hired the Chilubi ferry at Samfya Harbour for exclusive use by the ruling party ahead of the by-election.
ECZ representative Royd Katongo confirmed that the organisation was tackling the problem.
“I wish to inform you that the commission has engaged Zambia Postal Services (ZAMPOST), the owners of the ferry operating between Chilubi and the surrounding districts to make available the transport services to all stakeholders and the general public,” Katongo stated.
NDC Vice-President Joseph Akafumba, who submitted the complaint to the ECZ argued at the time that the hire of the ferry amounts to electoral malpractice and abuse of office. It certainly seems unlikely that any opposition party would be able to secure such as arrangement. Reports suggested that the PF had also been buying off other means of transport in an apparent attempt to limit the opposition from campaigning in the area.
Northern Province UPND chair Nathan Ilunga had similarly claimed that the PF had booked out all the available lodges, despite many being empty, as well as the means of transport in the area, with the opposition limited to canoes only. However, Northern Province Minister Bwalya Chungu dismissed the allegations.
The Chilubi by-election is scheduled to take place on Thursday February 13th. The election has been necessitated following the death of the incumbent area Member of Parliament Honourable Rosaria Fundanga on Wednesday 20th November, 2019. The Patriotic Front has held the seat since 2006 with Rosaria Fundanga elected in 2016 following Obius Chisala who acted as MP for the constituency for 10 years.
The candidates contesting the seat are as follows:
Patriotic Front - Mulenga Fube
United Party of National Development - Stanslous Chele
National Democratic Congress - Henry Kalenga
People’s Alliance for Change - Mark Mpundu
United Prosperous & Peaceful Zambia - Charles Kalala
