Mandevu Election in Turmoil as Tonse Candidate and Two Others Withdraw, M’membe Alleges Intimidation Mandevu Election in Turmoil as Tonse Candidate and Two Others Withdraw, M’membe Alleges Intimidation
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NewsZAMBIAN EYE | LUSAKA, October 29, 2026 The Mandevu parliamentary by-election has taken a dramatic turn following reports that all three candidates challenging the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) have withdrawn from the race, just seven days before the scheduled November 5 poll. The reported withdrawals involve Tonse Alliance-backed Forum for Democracy and ZAMBIAN EYE | LUSAKA, October 29, 2026 The Mandevu parliamentary by-election has taken a dramatic turn following reports that all three candidates challenging the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) have withdrawn from the race, just seven days before the scheduled November 5 poll. The reported withdrawals involve Tonse Alliance-backed Forum for Democracy and Three candidates reportedly withdraw from the Mandevu by-election as Fred M’membe alleges intimidation, potentially leaving UPND's Adrian Banda unopposed.
ZAMBIAN EYE | LUSAKA, October 29, 2026
The Mandevu parliamentary by-election has taken a dramatic turn following reports that all three candidates challenging the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) have withdrawn from the race, just seven days before the scheduled November 5 poll.
The reported withdrawals involve Tonse Alliance-backed Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) candidate Daniel Chisenga, Leadership Movement candidate Ntazana Muntungwa and independent candidate Daniel Daka.
Their departure would leave UPND candidate Adrian Banda as the sole remaining contender, subject to formal confirmation by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
The developments have sparked allegations of political intimidation, with Socialist Party president Fred M’membe accusing the ruling party of creating an environment in which opposition candidates cannot compete freely.
Chisenga cites personal reasons amid claims of threats
Chisenga, a former Lusaka mayor, has reportedly attributed his withdrawal to personal reasons following consultations with his family.
However, sources close to the former mayor claim that he had been threatened with arrest over alleged offences dating back to his time at Lusaka City Council.
The sources further claim that Chisenga feared for his personal safety.
These allegations have not been independently established, and no evidence has been presented confirming that threats of arrest were used to force him out of the election.
Concerns about Chisenga’s security had emerged before the reported withdrawal.
On October 16, Tonse Alliance Secretary General Muhabi Lungu publicly alleged that the candidate had faced persistent threats from individuals claiming to be associated with the UPND.
Lungu claimed that the situation had become so serious that Chisenga had avoided sleeping at his home for several days because of safety concerns.
The allegations were reported before the latest developments, although they do not independently establish why Chisenga subsequently decided to withdraw.
M’membe condemns withdrawals
Reacting to the developments in a statement issued Thursday, Socialist Party president Fred M’membe described the withdrawal of the three candidates as a serious setback for Zambia’s democracy.
M’membe alleged that the withdrawals were the result of intimidation, financial pressure and an uneven political environment that disadvantaged opposition candidates.
He accused the UPND administration of creating conditions that could leave voters without a meaningful choice in the parliamentary contest.
“A victory achieved by clearing the ballot of any alternative choice is no victory at all,” M’membe said.
He argued that the situation raised broader concerns about political competition, democratic rights and the independence of public institutions.
M’membe also claimed that the ruling party was seeking to strengthen its parliamentary position by weakening opposition participation.
These remain allegations by the Socialist Party leader. No finding has been established that the government or the UPND orchestrated the candidates’ withdrawals.
Calls on ECZ to explain what happens next
M’membe has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to handle the matter transparently and ensure that the electoral process complies with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
He said the Commission had a responsibility to safeguard voter choice and the integrity of elections.
The immediate question is whether the three withdrawals have been formally submitted and accepted, and what legal consequences follow if only one validly nominated candidate remains.
The ECZ is expected to clarify whether the scheduled November 5 vote will proceed or whether the remaining candidate may be declared elected unopposed under the applicable electoral provisions.
How Mandevu reached this point
The November 5 by-election was scheduled after the August 13 general election failed to produce a declared parliamentary winner in Mandevu.
The ECZ reported that unidentified individuals attacked the constituency’s totalling centre on August 18, destroying result transmission equipment and taking election documents.
The incident prevented election officials from completing the tabulation and declaration process, prompting the Commission to organise a fresh parliamentary election.
Four candidates successfully filed nominations on October 8: Adrian Banda for the UPND, Daniel Chisenga for the FDD under the Tonse Alliance, Ntazana Muntungwa for the Leadership Movement and independent candidate Daniel Daka.
The reported withdrawal of the three challengers now raises the possibility that Mandevu’s parliamentary representation could be settled without voters returning to the polls.
Questions that remain
The circumstances surrounding the reported withdrawals require clarification, particularly given the difference between Chisenga’s stated personal reasons and the allegations of intimidation raised by his political associates.
It remains important to establish whether each candidate withdrew voluntarily, whether the ECZ has received the necessary documentation and what decision the Commission will make concerning the election.
The UPND’s response to the latest allegations will also be important in providing a fuller account of the political dispute.
For Mandevu residents, who have already experienced an inconclusive parliamentary election, the immediate concern is how and when their constituency will secure representation in the National Assembly.
Zambian Eye will continue following the matter and report the ECZ’s official position as it becomes available.
By Zambian Eye
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