Bill 7 Has Left Mandevu Voters Without A Choice - Given Lubinda

Opposition politician Given Lubinda has criticised the withdrawal of three candidates from the Mandevu parliamentary by-election, arguing that changes introduced through the 2025 constitutional amendment, commonly known as Bill 7, have left voters without a meaningful choice of representatives.

In a press statement, Lubinda said the withdrawal of candidates from the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Leadership Movement and an independent candidate had left UPND’s Adrian Banda as the sole contender. He argued that the previous constitutional provision allowed fresh nominations in specified circumstances following a candidate’s resignation, whereas the amended Article 52(6) permits the electoral process to continue.

Lubinda questioned whether the revised law adequately protects voters and political parties when candidates withdraw after nominations have closed. He noted that the independent candidate reportedly cited financial and personal reasons, while the FDD candidate alleged intimidation and threats against his family. Lubinda called for the Electoral Commission of Zambia and police to take such complaints seriously, while acknowledging that withdrawals alone do not establish coercion or wrongdoing.

Despite his criticism, Lubinda encouraged Mandevu residents to participate in the election and called for a national discussion on the consequences of Bill 7. He argued that electoral laws should protect not only the holding of elections but also the opportunity for citizens to choose between competing candidates.