The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set December 5, 2019 as the date for the Milenge Council Chairperson by-elections in Luapula Province which fell vacant following the death of Fidelis Chanda.

ECZ public relations officer Margaret Chimanse disclosed in a statement that the Commission would also conduct five local government ward by-elections in various districts across the country on the same day.

“Notice is hereby given to the general public that Electoral Commission of Zambia has prescribed 5th December, 2019 as the date on which to hold the Milenge Council Chairperson by-elections in Luapula Province. On the same day, the Commission will also conduct five local government ward by-elections in Chipundu ward of Chitambo Town Council, Serenje Ward of Serenje Town Council in Central Province, Ilambo ward of Lupososhi Town Council, Mumila ward of Mpulungu Town Council and Katwe ward of Mpulungu Town Council in Northern Province. The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours. The election in Milenge has been necessitated following the death of incumbent Council Chairperson, Mr Fidelis Chanda on Monday 14th October, 2019. The vacancies in Chipundu, Serenje, Ilambo, Mumila and Katwe wards were as a result of deaths and resignation of a councilor,” Chimanse explained.

Chimanse further listed the terms and conditions for those aspiring to contest the by-elections.

“Aspiring candidates in the by-elections should lodge completed and attested statutory declaration and nomination papers subscribed before a Magistrate, Local Court Margistrate, Head of a Government Primary or Secondary School, Principal of a college, Commissioner of Oaths, Electoral Officer or Returning Officer on Thursday, 14th November, 2019 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours. Aspiring candidates for the Council Chairperson by-elections should take along with them 15 supporters who must be registered voters in the said district. The supporters must have in their possession their Green National Registration Card. Aspiring candidates for the Council Chairperson by-election will be required to pay K2,000 non-refundable nomination fee. Aspiring candidates in the Local Government ward by-elections should take along with them nine supporters who ust be registered voters in the affected wards and will be required to pay K750 for city and municipals councils. K400 for District Councils, non-refundable nomination fee. Candidates for the Council Chairperson and the two ward by-elections must also present certified copies of their Grade 12 certificates, as minimum academic qualification or equivalent,” stated Chimanse.