FDD’s Mandevu candidate Chisanga drops out

MATHEWS MALAZIKA

Lusaka

FORUM for Democracy and Development (FDD) parliamentary candidate Daniel Chisenga has withdrawn from the November 5 Mandevu by-election, citing alleged threats to his life.

Mr Chisenga said in an interview yesterday that unknown individuals and some political players have threatened him, prompting his decision to quit the race.

“Yes, I have pulled out of the race because of threats from unknown people and some political players,” he said.

Mr Chisenga said he has communicated his decision to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which is yet to confirm his withdrawal.

His exit leaves three candidates in the race for the Mandevu seat next Thursday.

The constituency has more than 123,000 registered voters.

Remaining contenders are Adrian Banda of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Ntazana Musukuma of the Leadership Movement (LM) and independent candidate Daniel Daka.

Meanwhile, ECZ has urged officials assigned to the by-election to uphold professionalism, impartiality and transparency.

Speaking during the training of 730 poll staff in Lusaka yesterday, commission vice-chairperson Vincent Mukanda said integrity, teamwork and fairness are essential to conducting credible elections.

“Your duties as poll staff are extremely important, hence you are expected to be exemplary in the conduct of your duties,” Major General Mukanda (rtd) said.

He urged the officials to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Code of Conduct and their terms of reference to avoid electoral offences and resist intimidation or undue influence.

ECZ acting chief electoral officer Collins Kachaka also urged poll staff to maintain accurate records and exercise proper control of their polling stations. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home