Dolika Banda doesn’t have G12 certificate, AG Kabesha wants ConCourt to invalidate her nomination as M’membe’s running mate

LUSAKA – Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has formally petitioned the Constitutional Court, seeking to nullify the nomination of Ms. Dolika Banda as the running mate for Socialist Party presidential candidate Dr. Fred M'membe. The core of the Attorney General's application rests on Ms. Banda's alleged failure to meet the constitutional requirement of possessing a Grade 12 certificate, a prerequisite for individuals aspiring to hold high office in Zambia's electoral system. The legal challenge gained significant traction following a definitive statement from the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ), the statutory body responsible for national examinations. The ECZ, in its official communication, confirmed that Ms. Banda does not hold a valid Grade 12 certificate, casting a shadow over her eligibility for the Vice Presidential candidacy. This confirmation from a credible and authoritative institution provides a strong basis for the Attorney General's legal action, emphasizing the importance of adherence to electoral laws. This development underscores the meticulous scrutiny applied to electoral nominations in Zambia, particularly for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The requirement for a Grade 12 certificate, enshrined in the Zambian Constitution, aims to ensure that individuals seeking the nation's highest offices possess a foundational level of education. The Constitutional Court's decision in this matter will set a crucial precedent regarding the interpretation and enforcement of these educational qualifications for future elections. The Socialist Party, led by Dr. Fred M'membe, has yet to issue a comprehensive official statement regarding the Attorney General's petition or the ECZ's findings. However, the unfolding legal battle is expected to draw considerable public attention, given its implications for electoral integrity and the democratic process. Political analysts suggest that the outcome could influence public perception of candidate eligibi