Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has come out to outline the party’s plans ahead of the nominations in preparation for the upcoming by-elections.

While addressing the media at the party headquarters on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Malala stated that nominations will be conducted in areas where the party has more than one candidate.

He confirmed that the National Executive Council has resolved to conduct free and fair nominations, assuring that no candidate will be favoured and that every aspirant will be given an equal opportunity to participate in the process.

He further explained that only registered party members will be allowed to take part in the nominations. As such, aspirants are encouraged to go to the ground and begin registering members to boost their chances.

 He emphasised that the party will strictly adhere to the provisions of the Political Parties Act, reaffirming their commitment to being a law-abiding party.

“We will have nominations in areas where we have more than 1 candidate. We have agreed, and it is the resolve of the National Executive Council that we are going to have free and fair nominations. We are not going to favour any candidate; we are going to ensure that anybody who registers as an aspirant is given a free and fair nomination.” Malala stated.

Members registration

The party is also urging all its members to ensure they are duly registered so that they can take part in electing the most suitable candidate to carry the party’s flag during the by-elections.

“Second, we have only agreed that only party members will be able to participate in the nominations and therefore urge all the aspirants to go to the ground and start registering members. We are going to abide by the provisions of the Political Parties Act because we are a law-abiding party. We are urging all our members to be registered so that they can elect the correct candidate who will fly our flag on the election day,” Malala stated.

Consensus

Additionally, Malala noted that in certain cases, the party may resort to consensus as a method of candidate selection.

In such instances, candidates who lose in the nominations or are not selected through the consensus process are expected to rally behind and support the chosen candidate to maintain party unity.

“We have also agreed that in some instances, where consensus will be applied, we have agreed that the candidates who would have lost in the nominations or not been considered during the consensus will be able to support our candidate,” he concluded.