ECZ repudiates PF claims of plot to disqualify Mundubile and Zulu

LUSAKA – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has strongly refuted allegations circulating on the Patriotic Front's (PF) social media platforms, which suggested a clandestine plot to disqualify prominent party figures, particularly Robert Mundubile and Raphael Nakacinda. The commission, through its spokesperson, labelled these claims as entirely fabricated and a deliberate attempt to undermine public trust in Zambia's electoral system. The allegations, which gained traction on various PF-affiliated Facebook pages, posited that the ECZ was colluding with unnamed entities to prevent key opposition voices from participating in future elections. This narrative has been swiftly dismissed by the ECZ, which highlighted the serious implications of such misinformation on the integrity of the democratic process. The commission underscored that its mandate is to administer elections impartially and in accordance with the law, without favouring or disadvantaging any political party or individual. In a statement released yesterday, the ECZ spokesperson emphasised that the commission operates independently and adheres strictly to the electoral code of conduct. "These allegations are not only baseless but also constitute a grave abuse of social media platforms designed to spread falsehoods and incite distrust among the electorate," the spokesperson stated. "The ECZ wishes to assure all Zambians and political stakeholders that it remains committed to upholding the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability in all its operations." The commission further urged political parties and their members to exercise responsibility and verify information before disseminating it, especially concerning sensitive electoral matters. The ECZ warned against the dangers of propagating unverified claims, which can lead to unnecessary tension and potentially destabilise the political landscape. It called upon all actors to engage constructively and channel any grievances through es