KALABA REMAINS ON BALLOT – Citizens First  party

LUSAKA – The Citizens First (CF) party has moved swiftly to quell speculation and reassure its supporters, confirming that its presidential aspirant, Mr. Harry Kalaba, will unequivocally remain on the ballot for the forthcoming general elections. This definitive statement from the party leadership aims to dispel any doubts that arose following the recent high-profile defection of Mr. Kalaba's running mate, Mr. Moses Mawere, who has reportedly aligned himself with another political grouping. The announcement, made by a senior CF official who opted for anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing internal party consultations, emphasized that the party's electoral machinery remains fully operational and focused on its campaign objectives. "We want to assure our members and the Zambian populace that President Kalaba's candidacy is secure and unaffected by the recent developments involving Mr. Mawere," the official stated. "The legal framework governing elections in Zambia provides clear guidelines for such situations, and we are well within those parameters." Under Zambian electoral law, a presidential candidate's eligibility is not automatically revoked by the withdrawal or defection of a running mate, especially if the nomination process has been duly completed and accepted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). Parties are typically afforded a window to replace a running mate under specific circumstances, ensuring continuity in the electoral process. The CF party is understood to be exploring its options regarding a replacement for Mr. Mawere, though no official announcement has been made on this front. Mr. Mawere's departure marks a significant, albeit not insurmountable, challenge for the nascent Citizens First party. His move to another political alliance, details of which remain somewhat fluid, has prompted questions about party cohesion and strategy just weeks before a critical electoral contest. Political analysts suggest that while such defections can