119 Views *LUSAKA* — The European Union has announced it will investigate the recent withdrawal of candidates from Zambia’s General Elections, citing concerns over the integrity of the electoral process and the right of citizens to choose their representatives. In a brief statement released yesterday, the EU Delegation to Zambia said it was “closely monitoring […]

119 Views

*LUSAKA* — The European Union has announced it will investigate the recent withdrawal of candidates from Zambia’s General Elections, citing concerns over the integrity of the electoral process and the right of citizens to choose their representatives.

In a brief statement released yesterday, the EU Delegation to Zambia said it was “closely monitoring developments regarding the withdrawal of candidates” ahead of the August 13 polls and would be engaging stakeholders to establish the facts.

“The European Union notes with concern reports of candidate withdrawals in Zambia’s General Elections. The EU will investigate these developments to better understand the circumstances and their implications for democratic participation,” the statement read in part.

The EU did not name specific parties or constituencies in the statement, but the announcement comes amid growing public debate over a wave of last-minute withdrawals by parliamentary and council candidates from various political parties.

*Context: Wave of Withdrawals*

In the last two weeks, several candidates across the country have pulled out of the race citing reasons ranging from internal party disputes, inadequate campaign resources, intimidation, and health grounds.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia, ECZ, confirmed last week that it had received formal withdrawal notifications from over 30 candidates at parliamentary and local government level. Under the Electoral Process Act, a candidate may withdraw up to 14 days before polling day, after which their name will still appear on the ballot but votes cast for them will not be counted.

Political analysts say the withdrawals risk disenfranchising voters in some constituencies where the withdrawal leaves only one or two candidates on the ballot.

Civil society organizations have also raised alarm, arguing that some withdrawals may not be voluntary and could be linked to pressure on candidates during the campaign period.

*EU Concern Over Democratic Space*

The EU is one of Zambia’s long-standing development and democracy partners. It has previously supported voter education, observer missions, and capacity building for the ECZ, Parliament, and the media ahead of general elections.

A senior EU official who asked not to be named said the bloc’s interest was in ensuring that Zambians have a genuine choice at the ballot.

“Free and fair elections require a level playing field where candidates can campaign without fear and voters have real alternatives. Any pattern of withdrawals that suggests coercion or undue influence is a matter of concern for us,” the official said.

The EU said its investigation will involve consultations with the ECZ, political parties, civil society, and candidates who have withdrawn. Findings will be shared with relevant Zambian authorities and EU member states.

*ECZ Responds*

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Commission welcomed scrutiny from international partners but insisted that all withdrawals received so far had followed the law.

“We have a clear legal framework on candidate withdrawal. Every notification we have received has been signed by the candidate and witnessed. We encourage any candidate who feels pressured to report to the police or to the Commission,” Ms. Zaloumis said in a separate interview.

She added that ballot printing was already underway and that names of withdrawn candidates would still appear on the ballot papers for transparency, in line with the law.

*Political Parties React*

CF leader Harry Kalaba said his party had lost two council candidates in Central Province due to “financial challenges” and not pressure.

“We cannot force people to stay in a race if they have no resources. But we reject any form of intimidation,” Mr. Kalaba said.

NRPUP spokesperson, meanwhile, called on the EU to be objective in its probe. “We welcome any investigation that will expose the truth. But let it not be used to interfere in our internal party affairs,” he said.

The ruling UPND said it had not recorded any forced withdrawals in its ranks and urged the EU to also investigate “sponsored candidates” being used to split votes.

*Civil Society and Voter Impact*

The Chapter One Foundation and the Zambia Council for Social Development said they would submit information to the EU team.

Chapter One Executive Director Linda Kasonde said: “When candidates withdraw at the last minute, voters are left with limited choices. We need to know if this is about money, violence, or something more sinister.”

With 27 days to go before voting, stakeholders have called for calm and for political players to respect the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The EU said it would not interfere in Zambia’s internal affairs but would issue a report on its findings before polling day.

Zambians will on August 13 vote for President, 156 Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and over 1,600 councilors.