Mandevu By-election Explodes: Candidates Quit Amid Threats & Incentives, Tonse Alliance Demands Refunds

Reports emerged regarding the purported withdrawal of Mr. Daniel Chisenga, parliamentary candidate for the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and the TONSE-PAMODZI ALLIANCE, from the Mandevu by-election scheduled for November 5, 2026. These reports were swiftly followed by serious concerns about threats to his security, prompting urgent calls for investigation and clarity from electoral bodies.

The FDD, through its Secretary General Nathan Mulonga, formally requested the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to verify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Chisenga's withdrawal. The FDD sought confirmation that the withdrawal was authentic, voluntary, and submitted in accordance with electoral requirements. They requested a copy of any withdrawal notice attributed to Mr. Chisenga, details on its receipt, and confirmation of actions taken by the Returning Officer. Crucially, the FDD asked for an explanation of the legal basis and consequences of accepting a withdrawal after nominations, including implications for the scheduled election and their candidate's status. Given the gravity of the security concerns, the FDD urged the ECZ to confidentially engage with Mr. Chisenga to ascertain if threats, coercion, inducements, or improper pressure influenced his decision. The FDD stated that any suspected electoral misconduct should be investigated with appropriate protection for witnesses. If it was found that the FDD candidate, supported by the TONSE-PAMODZI ALLIANCE, was put in an untenable situation, they strongly requested the postponement and rescheduling of the elections to allow them to identify another candidate. This postponement was deemed essential to ensure the situation did not compromise the principles of a free and fair electoral contest, and to protect public confidence in the electoral system.

Daniel Chisenga, the former FDD/Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance parliamentary candidate, later confirmed his withdrawal from the Mandevu by-election, explicitly citing threats to his life, intimidation, and alleged attacks on his campaign team. He asserted that his decision to withdraw from the November 5 election was not voluntary but a direct consequence of security concerns affecting himself, his family, and his supporters. Chisenga detailed a series of disruptions, including alleged attempts to seize his credentials at the nomination stage to prevent him from filing. He further claimed that he and his campaign team were attacked in Raphael Chota Ward 25, resulting in injuries to several members and abductions. Chisenga recounted escaping the incident by seeking refuge in a Good Samaritan's house and noted that no arrests had been made despite police reports. His withdrawal, he stated, was a necessary step to protect his life and the lives of his family and team. Chisenga also expressed disappointment with the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, accusing its provincial, district, and constituency leadership, as well as elected representatives, of failing to provide meaningful support. He additionally highlighted his campaign manager, David Kakoma, abandoning the assignment shortly after appointment. Despite these challenges, Chisenga conveyed gratitude to FDD president Chifumu Banda, alliance acting secretary general Muhabi Lungu, and other individuals who supported his campaign. He extended an apology to the residents of Mandevu for his withdrawal and challenged the declared winner, Adrian Banda, to prioritize development in the constituency.

In response to these developments, Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance Secretary General Muhabi Lungu addressed broader implications and proposed measures for the future. Mr. Lungu suggested that for future adoptions, any candidate adopted by the alliance who subsequently withdraws from an election should be required to refund the money spent on their campaigns, emphasizing responsibility for financial resources invested. Speaking at a media briefing, Mr. Lungu also called for the cancellation of the Mandevu by-election, arguing that it would allow political parties, including the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, to identify replacement candidates and ensure meaningful competition. He revealed that the alliance's own candidate withdrew due to alleged intimidation, threats, and an offer of inducement, accusing the UPND of offering incentives to opposition candidates to withdraw. Mr. Lungu contended that such circumstances severely undermine the credibility of the electoral process and declared that cancelling the by-election would be the