No one will block Mundubile – Tonse

By BARNABAS ZULU

THE Tonse Alliance has maintained that Brian Mundubile will be on the ballot for the August 13 general election among the presidential candidates challenging President Hakainde Hichilema, insisting that the Mporokoso Member of Parliament meets the constitutional requirements to stand.

Tonse Alliance spokesperson Dr Lawrence Mwelwa said there was no legal barrier preventing Mr Mundubile from participating in the presidential race, dismissing what he described as propaganda suggesting otherwise.

Dr Mwelwa argued that Mr Mundubile has satisfied the eligibility standards outlined under Article 100 of the Constitution of Zambia, which sets out both qualifications and disqualification criteria for presidential candidates.

“Brian Mundubile meets all the constitutional requirements to stand as a presidential cana      didate. Any claims suggesting he will not be on the ballot are purely political propaganda meant to mislead the public,” Dr Mwelwa said.

Dr Mwelwa said Article 100 requires that a presidential candidate must be a Zambian citizen by birth or descent, ordinarily resident in the country, at least 35 years of age, a registered voter, and possess a minimum of a Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent.

According to Dr Mwelwa, Mr Mundubile has met all the constitutional conditions, adding that his legal background and professional experience strengthen his eligibility.

He also said there was no evidence suggesting that Mr Mundubile had breached any constitutional disqualification clauses, such as holding prohibited public office, having dual citizenship, being declared bankrupt, or having been removed from public office for misconduct within the prescribed period.

“There is no public record or official indication that Mr Mundubile falls within any disqualifying category under Article 100. He is fully compliant with the law as it stands,” he said. Dr Mwelwa also noted that procedural requirements such as nomination fees and support from registered voters across provinces are matters that are verified during the official nomination process by electoral authorities.

He explained that attempts to question Mr Mundubile’s eligibility were politically motivated and should not distract from what he described as the alliance’s preparations for the elections.