ANALYST URGES ECZ TO UPHOLD INTEGRITY AFTER COURT RULING ON INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES’ CANDLE SYMBOL
By Raphael Mulenga
Political Analyst Francis Chipili is urging the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ- to uphold its integrity and maintain public confidence in the electoral process following the High Court ruling that allowed independent candidates to maintain the candle symbol.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Chipili says the court’s decision allowing independent candidates to retain the candle symbol highlights the need for consistency and fairness in the administration of elections.
He has noted with concern that the ECZ had earlier approved the candle symbol for independent candidates but later directed them to change it, a move that caused confusion and inconvenienced some candidates who had already printed campaign materials and commenced their campaigns.
Mr. Chipili added that the situation has created uncertainty, with some candidates altering their symbols while others retained the candle symbol, and reports indicating that some candidates are now being asked to revert to the original symbol following the court ruling.
He has further urged the ECZ to remain a neutral and credible institution, warning that frequent changes to electoral guidelines during an election period risk undermining public trust in Zambia’s democratic processes.
The ECZ had earlier directed all independent candidates to change the candle symbol, but the High Court later ruled that the symbol should be maintained.
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