The Electoral Commission of Zambia has announced that the ECZ sets July 30 for Katuba by-election by-election will be held on July 30.

According to a statement issued by ECZ public relations manager Margarate Chimanse, Tuesday, the Commission will also conduct six local government by-elections in Lubwa Ward of Kitwe District, Lungwishi Ward of Mansa District, Mayembe Ward of Shiwang’ándu District, Mangango, Shitwa and Kanabilumbu Wards of Kaoma District on the same date.

“The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours. The Election in Katuba Constituency has been necessitated following the death of the incumbent area Member of Parliament, Mrs. Patricia Mwashingwele on 2nd May, 2019. The vacancies in Lubwa Ward, Lungwishi Ward, Mayembe Ward, Mangango Ward, Shitwa Ward, and Kanabilumbu Ward are as a result of resignations and deaths of councillors,” Chimanse stated.

“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 11th July 2019 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours.”

She outlined the requirements for aspiring candidates in all by-elections.

“Aspiring candidates for Parliamentary By-elections in Katuba Constituency should take along with them fifteen (15) supporters who must be registered voters in the said Constituency. The supporters must have in their possession their Green National Registration Cards and Voters’ Cards. Aspiring candidates for the Parliamentary by election will be required to pay Seven Thousand, Five Hundred Kwacha (K7,500.00) non refundable nomination fee. Aspiring candidates in the Local Government By-elections should take along with them nine (9) supporters who must be registered voters in the affected wards. Aspiring candidates will be required to pay Seven Hundred and Fifty Kwacha (K750.00), for City and Municipal Councils and Four Hundred Kwacha (K400.00) for District Councils, non refundable nomination fee,” Chimanse stated.

“Candidates for the Parliamentary and the six (6) Ward By-elections must also present certified copies of their Grade 12 Certificates, as a minimum academic qualification or equivalent.
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.”

She stated that the campaign period would begin on July 11 and end on July 29.