Kabwata Parliamentary By-Election: A Litmus for Constitutional and Electoral Process Act Review

One resolve of any democratic nation is to have in place a supreme law of the land that is not only people driven, but able to stand the test of time serving as a basis for sustainable peace, unity and development. The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) notes with great concern the continued existence of ambiguities with regard to the current constitution, its interpretation, and more specifically, in this case, the weaknesses of Zambia’s electoral processes. The recent cancellation of the Kabwata parliamentary by-elections serves well as an illustration of the issues that call for reforms. According to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) the Kabwata parliamentary by-election was scheduled to take place on 20th January, 2022. The seat in question fell vacant after the demise of the elected ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament Honourable Levy Mkandawire. In a turn of events, ECZ through their Chief Electoral Officer on 10th January, 2022 announced the cancellation of the Kabwata parliamentary by-elections pursuant to Article 52(6) of the Republican Constitution, following the withdrawal of one of the contesting candidates Read more>>