Zambia may again have eleven presidential candidates in the January 20 presidential by-elections, if no more political parties confirms participation in the race.
And the commission has since extend the number of days for filing in of nominations from 3 to 5, to accommodate all aspiring candidates.
Initially, the Commission had announced 17, 18, and 19 December as dates for all candidates to file in nominations, and warned there would no extension, further advising political parties embroiled in leadership squabbles to put their “houses in order”.
But following the increased number of presidential candidates that has since increased, Commission Chairperson Justice Ireen Mambilima says nominations will now close on 21st December, and has asked political parties yet to advise dates and time they wish to file in, to indicate to the commission.
Justice Mambilima was speaking when her Commission met aspiring presidential candidates at Mulungushi International Conference in Lusaka yesterday.
Presidential Aspirants in attendance included NAREP President Elias Chipimo, 4th Revolution Party President Eric Chanda, Green Party President Peter Sinkamba.
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema was represented by Monze Central MP Jack Mwiimbu and other party officials.
Others present were PF President Edgar Lungu, UNIP President Tilyenji Kaunda, MMD Aspirant Rupiah Banda, Heritage Party President Godfrey Miyanda, National Revolution Party President Cosmo Mumba and Forum for Democracy and Development President Edith Nawakwi.
Christian Democratic Party President Danny Pule, Forum Democratic Alternatives President Ludwig Sondashi also attended the meeting.
Meanwhile MMD President Nevers Mumba walked out of the meeting leaving his contender, former President Rupiah Banda to represent the MMD.
It is not clear if Dr Mumba’s action was as a result of the Lusaka High Court having dismissed his injunction that sought to restrain the party from suspending him from performing presidential duties.