SP Cautions ECZ Ahead of Zambia’s 2025 By-Elections
Mpongwe, Thursday, January 9, 2025 – The Socialist Party (SP) has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to take swift action against any political party or candidate engaging in electoral malpractice as Zambia approaches the February 6, 2025 by-elections.
In a statement, SP Chief Advisor to the Party President, Brian Hapunda, expressed concern over what he described as ongoing electoral malpractice by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), stating that the ECZ has failed to hold the party accountable. Hapunda stressed that it is critical for the ECZ to fulfill its mandate of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, which the Zambian people rightfully expect.
“Unfortunately, the culprits in most electoral malpractices are the ruling UPND, and yet the ECZ does nothing to punish them,” Hapunda said. “The ECZ must ensure that these by-elections, scheduled for February 6, 2025, are free, fair, and transparent. Anyone found engaging in electoral malpractices, whether it’s vote buying or political violence, must be held accountable without fear or favor.”
Despite the alleged misconduct, the Socialist Party is positioning itself as a viable alternative, having successfully fielded candidates in all four of the upcoming by-elections. The nominations, which took place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, saw the SP enter the political fray with candidates in the Pambashe Constituency Parliamentary by-election, Petauke Central Parliamentary by-election, Mutanda Ward Local by-election in Mpongwe District, and Litawa Ward Local by-election in Mongu District.
Hapunda proudly announced that the Socialist Party had fielded a full slate of candidates for these contests:
- Comrade James Mulenga Chabi in Pambashe Constituency,
- Comrade Julius Mwale in Petauke Central,
- Comrade Clinton Sankayi in Mutanda Ward,
- Comrade Walubita Mate in Litawa Ward.
“The Socialist Party is the only political party that has demonstrated stability and maturity, running issue-based campaigns across the country,” Hapunda emphasized. “We call on the electorate in the affected areas and all citizens to support our candidates, as we work toward ensuring a brighter future for Zambia.”
With these statements, the Socialist Party aims to distinguish itself as a party of integrity and democratic fairness while highlighting the flaws in the current electoral system. Their call for the ECZ to address allegations of electoral malpractice before the February 2025 elections marks a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to build trust with voters and pave the way for a successful campaign.
As Zambia gears up for its 2025 by-elections, all eyes will be on the ECZ to ensure that the election process is indeed free, fair, and transparent, and that any form of political misconduct is swiftly addressed.
Keywords: Zambia news, 2025 by-elections, Socialist Party, SP candidates, UPND electoral malpractice, ECZ Zambia, political transparency, free and fair elections, February 2025 by-elections, Zambia politics.
 has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to take swift action against any political party or candidate engaging in electoral malpractice as Zambia approaches the February 6, 2025 by-elections.In a statement, SP Chief Advisor to the Party President, Brian Hapunda, expressed concern over what he described as ongoing electoral malpractice by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), stating that the ECZ has failed to hold the party accountable. Hapunda stressed that it is critical for the ECZ to fulfill its mandate of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, which the Zambian people rightfully expect.){kind=link}