PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has expressed condolences to the family and people of Lumezi District, following the death of Lumezi North NRPUP parliamentary candidate Clement Mwale. Mwale also servied as Council Chairperson for Lumezi from 2016 to 2021. In a statement, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said President Hichilema acknowledged Mwale’s commitment to improving […]

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has expressed condolences to the family and people of Lumezi District, following the death of Lumezi North NRPUP parliamentary candidate Clement Mwale.

Mwale also servied as Council Chairperson for Lumezi from 2016 to 2021.

In a statement, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said President Hichilema acknowledged Mwale’s commitment to improving the lives of the people he served.

“President Hakainde Hichilema has sent a message of condolences to the family, friends and the people of Lumezi following the death of National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) Lumezi North Parliamentary Candidate Clement Mwale. President Hichilema described Mr Mwale’s passing as a loss not only to his family and the people of Lumezi, but also to the nation, considering his contribution to public service and community development. In honour of Mr Mwale’s service to the people, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr Thabo Kawana visited the Mwale family home to convey condolences from President Hichilema and Vice President Mrs W.K. Mutale Nalumango. Mr Kawana met and consoled Mr Mwale’s widow, assuring the family of the President’s sympathies and support during this difficult period. Mr Mwale served as Council Chairperson for Lumezi District from 2016 to 2021, a period during which he worked with various stakeholders in advancing development initiatives and addressing the needs of communities in the district,” read the statement.

“Mr Kawana said President Hichilema acknowledged Mr Mwale’s dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of the people he served. The Permanent Secretary said the President’s gesture reflected his belief that national service transcends political differences and that every Zambian who contributes to the development of the country deserves recognition and respect. Mr Kawana said President Hichilema remains committed to promoting unity, tolerance and respect among citizens, emphasising that the responsibility of building Zambia is shared by all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation. He said the loss of Mr Mwale was a reminder of the importance of recognising the contributions of individuals who dedicate their lives to serving their communities. Mr Mwale’s death has been mourned by his family, colleagues and residents of Lumezi, who have remembered him as a community leader who committed himself to the advancement of the district and the welfare of its people”.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia says it will invite the NRPUP to field a new parliamentary candidate for Lumezi North following the death of its aspiring candidate.

ECZ says the law requires the Commission to cancel a parliamentary election if a duly sponsored candidate dies before polls and to allow the sponsoring party to nominate a replacement.