The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set September 6, 2018 as date for the by-election in Kasenengwa constituency which fell vacant follwoing the death of PF member of parliament victoria Kalima.
On the same date, the Commission will also hold elections for five local government seats in various districts across the country.
“Notice is hereby given to the general public that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has prescribed Thursday, 6th September, 2018 as the date on which to hold the Parliamentary By-election in Kasenengwa Constituency of Kasenengwa District. On the same date, the Commission will also conduct five Local Government by-elections in Kamalamba, Liyovu, Mabili, Nkenyauna and Shikombwe wards. The by-election in Kasenengwa Constituency has been necessitated following the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament Ms Victoria Kalima on 15th June, 2018. The vacancies in Kamalamba, Liyovu, Mabili, Nkenyauna and Shikombwe wards are as a result of resignation of councillors,” stated the Commission’s Public Relations manager Margaret Chimanse.
“The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours. Aspiring candidates in the by-elections should lodge completed and attested statutory declaration and nomination papers subscribed before a Magistrate, Local Court Magistrate, Head of a Government Primary or Secondary School, Principal of a College, Commissioner of Oaths, Election Officer or Returning Officer on Thursday 09th August, 2018 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours. Aspiring candidates for the Parliamentary by-election in Kasenengwa Constituency should take along with them fifteen supporters who must be registered voters in the respective districts. The supporters must have in their possession their green national registration cards and voters’ cards. Aspiring candidates will be required to pay K7,500 non-refundable nomination fee.”
She reminded interested candidates that they need to have grade 12 school certificates.
“Candidates in the Kasenengwa By-election and the five Ward By-elections must also have obtained, as a minimum academic qualification, a grade twelve certificate or its equivalent (Certified copies). In view of this, the Commission wishes to advise aspiring candidates who may wish to contest in these by-elections that failure to comply with these requirements shall render the nomination papers null and void,” stated Chimanse.
“Note that the campaign period for these elections commences on Thursday 9th August, 2018 after 15:00 hours and will end at 18:00 hours on Wednesday, 5th September, 2018. In addition, not more than two political party members per participating political party shall be allowed to witness counting of votes at the Polling Station.”