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Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre has questioned the legal basis of the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to hold fresh Parliamentary elections in Mandevu Constituency without first announcing results already in its possession.
Institute Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, warned that the Commission’s move could undermine public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Ngoma stated that ECZ’s action bypasses established procedure and risks eroding trust in how elections were administered.
He argued that as an electoral administrator, the Commission did not have judicial authority to nullify or disregard results without due process.
“Combining administrative and adjudicatory roles sets a dangerous precedent for Zambia’s democratic framework,” Ngoma stated.
He also pointed to reported developments involving the Zambia Police and the inconsistencies in how results from Mandevu were handled.
Ngoma said Mayoral and Presidential results from the constituency were announced without difficulty, while Parliamentary results were withheld.
“If the Zambia Police have indeed recovered the laptop in question, ECZ must immediately disclose this fact to the public and announce the Parliamentary results for Mandevu Constituency,” he said.
Ngoma noted that it was inconsistent that results for the Mayoral and Presidential elections in Mandevu were announced without difficulty, yet Parliamentary results had been withheld and subjected to a fresh election.
Read More: Electoral body orders fresh parliamentary poll for Mandevu after attack on results centre
He further criticised proceeding with a fresh election while results remained unannounced, saying it disregarded transparency and the will of voters in Mandevu.
“For the sake of transparency, credibility, and respect for the will of the people, AIPAC calls upon the candidates at Parliamentary level in Mandevu Constituency to challenge ECZ’s decision in the courts of law,” Ngoma said.
He argued that the courts remained the proper forum to determine electoral disputes, not unilateral administrative pronouncements by ECZ.
Ngoma maintained that electoral disputes should be resolved through the courts and other established legal channels, not through unilateral administrative pronouncements.
“AIPAC reaffirms its commitment to the protection of democracy, the rule of law, and electoral integrity in Zambia,” he said.
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