LUSAKA – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has replaced its Chawama parliamentary candidate less than 24 hours after his announcement, following the discovery that he did not meet a key electoral requirement.
Timothy Kantenga, announced on Friday, has been withdrawn and replaced by Morgan Muunda after verification revealed a technical disqualification. Party officials stated that Kantenga, while a registered voter, was only registered last year and his name does not appear on the current Chawama voters’ roll used for the upcoming by-election.
UPND Chairperson for Elections and Campaigns, Gary Nkombo, explained that the party acted swiftly to avoid potential procedural challenges with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). He said the decision was made in the party’s best interest and to ensure strict compliance with electoral rules.
“We have all just been going through the voter registration, and after the pronouncement and upon verification of documents, we then discovered that he is indeed a voter but was only registered…last year, which means his name is not contained in the current voters’ roll, presenting a disqualification,” Nkombo stated.
He apologized for the oversight to the public and acknowledged Kantenga’s cooperation. “We spoke with the candidate and he graciously bowed down, which is why he is here this afternoon to offer solidarity to the next person we have settled for. Allow me to officially announce the variation we have made as UPND: the party will use Morgan Muunda as the one to carry the UPND flag in this competition,” Nkombo said.
Nkombo clarified that, according to ECZ regulations, only individuals registered in Chawama, whose names appear on the current voters’ roll, and who participated in the 2021 General Elections in the constituency, are qualified to contest.
Timothy Kantenga publicly endorsed his replacement, urging party unity. “As you heard yesterday in my acceptance speech, I did say that we are disciples of our President and as a party, we are not void or devoid of leaders. It is for this reason that I endorse Muunda as incoming MP for Chawama constituency,” he said.
Accepting the nomination, Morgan Muunda thanked the party for its confidence. He outlined his campaign priorities, stating, “My priorities will include improving access to clean water and sanitation, and ensuring the effective utilisation of the K40 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to improve the livelihoods of the people.”
What a mess???
Which ever candidate they bring, they will be no improvement in the lives of the people of Chawama, this is a fact, especially that you have a President with no capacity and competence to improve the economy. His speciality is just speeches. But remember this is gullible nation, which can be told anything and they believe