ECZ denies plotting to disqualify Mundubile, Makebi

LUSAKA – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has vehemently denied accusations of orchestrating a plot to disqualify leading opposition figures, Brian Mundubile and Tutwa Ngulube, from contesting future elections. The denial, issued from the ECZ's headquarters in Lusaka, aims to quell growing speculation and maintain public confidence in the electoral body's impartiality. Sources close to the ECZ indicate that the commission views these allegations as unfounded and potentially damaging to the democratic process. The ECZ spokesperson, who declined to be named citing ongoing internal reviews, emphasized that the commission operates strictly within the confines of the electoral laws and regulations of Zambia. “Our mandate is to facilitate free, fair, and transparent elections, not to selectively bar candidates based on political affiliation or any other extraneous factors,” the spokesperson stated. The allegations, though not explicitly detailed in public discourse, appear to stem from concerns within certain political circles regarding the rigorous application of candidate eligibility criteria. Mundubile, a former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, and Ngulube, a notable legal figure and politician, are both prominent voices in Zambia’s political landscape. Their potential disqualification, if it were to occur, would undoubtedly send ripples through the political arena, particularly as the nation gears up for various by-elections and the general election in 2026. Political analysts suggest that such accusations, whether substantiated or not, are a common feature in the Zambian political cycle, often emerging during periods of intense political competition. They serve to galvanize support, cast doubt on institutions, and shape public perception. However, the ECZ's swift and unequivocal denial underscores its intent to safeguard its reputation as an independent and credible institution. In recent years, the ECZ has faced scrutiny over various aspects of it