UPND: Incentives Alleged in Mandevu By-Election Withdrawal

• The Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance alleges the UPND offered incentives for their candidate to withdraw from the Mandevu Parliamentary by-election.
• Candidates have withdrawn from the Mandevu by-election, prompting concerns about electoral integrity. The UPND candidate has gone unopposed in the fresh election called by the ECZ.
• Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance acting Secretary General Muhabi Lungu has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to cancel the by-election.
• The alliance seeks cancellation to allow political parties to identify new candidates for the Mandevu by-election.
• The ECZ's response to these allegations could set a precedent for handling future candidate withdrawals and claims of electoral malpractice.

The manner in which the ECZ addresses these allegations and the call for an ECZ Mandevu by-election cancellation could establish a vital precedent.

The Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance has publicly accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of offering incentives to their candidate, leading to a significant political candidate withdrawal Zambia. This serious allegation centers on the Mandevu Parliamentary by-election, where candidates have withdrawn from the race. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) had called for a fresh election in Mandevu due to an earlier security incident, and as of October 30, 2026, the United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate has gone unopposed following further withdrawals.

Muhabi Lungu, the acting Secretary General for the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, articulated the party's concerns, specifically alleging that the UPND incentives Mandevu by-election withdrawal were a direct result of inducements. The alliance contends that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and distort the democratic landscape in the constituency. The withdrawals have created a vacuum, raising questions about the fairness and competitiveness of the electoral process.

In response to the alleged UPND incentives Mandevu by-election withdrawal, the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance has formally urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to cancel the entire Mandevu by-election. Mr. Lungu emphasized that such a cancellation is crucial to allow all participating political parties, including the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance itself, sufficient time to identify and field new candidates who can genuinely represent their constituents without external pressures.

The demand for an ECZ Mandevu by-election cancellation highlights the gravity with which the alliance views the situation. They argue that proceeding with the by-election under these circumstances would legitimize what they perceive as electoral malpractice Zambia, setting a dangerous precedent for future polls. The ECZ's response to this call will be closely watched by all political stakeholders and civil society organizations.

The allegations surrounding the UPND incentives Mandevu by-election withdrawal carry significant implications for electoral integrity and the rule of law in Zambia. If proven, the use of incentives to compel candidate withdrawals could be construed as a form of electoral malpractice Zambia, directly challenging the principles of free and fair elections. The Electoral Commission of Zambia is now faced with the critical task of investigating these claims thoroughly and transparently.

The manner in which the ECZ addresses these allegations and the call for an ECZ Mandevu by-election cancellation could establish a vital precedent. It will determine how future instances of alleged undue influence or political candidate withdrawal Zambia are handled, potentially impacting the legal framework for challenging election outcomes or candidate eligibility. This situation underscores the ongoing need for robust electoral oversight and compliance from all political actors to safeguard democratic processes.

Lawyers advising political parties or involved in electoral disputes should monitor the Electoral Commission of Zambia's response to these allegations, as it could set a precedent for challenging candidate withdrawals or by-election results based on claims of undue influence or incentives. This development highlights potential areas of electoral law enforcement and compliance risk for political actors.

Source: Original reporting via The Zambian Observer