ECZ SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON NRPUP WITHDRAWAL AND LUMEZI NORTH BY-ELECTION

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has moved swiftly to correct and contextualize public discourse surrounding the recent withdrawal of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) from parliamentary and local government contests, including the much-discussed Lumezi North by-election. In an official statement released in Lusaka, the electoral authority clarified the legal and procedural realities governing candidate withdrawals, aiming to dispel misconceptions that have circulated across various media platforms and social channels. The controversy arose following official communications from political actors regarding electoral boycotts and administrative adjustments within candidate rosters. The ECZ emphasized that every step taken by the commission is anchored in the statutory framework laid down by Zambian electoral laws, specifically the Electoral Process Act. By addressing the public record directly, the commission seeks to reinforce institutional transparency and maintain stakeholder confidence as local political dynamics intensify ahead of polling day. Stakeholders across the political divide have closely monitored these developments, as by-elections in constituencies such as Lumezi North carry significant weight for political parties seeking to measure their grassroots appeal. Civil society organizations and election observers have continually urged all participating entities to engage responsibly with the electoral body, minimizing confusion and adhering strictly to established dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to speculative commentary. As the electoral calendar progresses, the ECZ continues to call for calm, discipline, and strict adherence to the electoral code of conduct by all political players, traditional leadership, and the general citizenry. The commission has reiterated its unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible electoral processes, reminding political parties that transparent