Upcoming Ward By-Elections in Zambia: Electoral Commission Sets March 1st, 2024 as Voting Day
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has officially announced that by-elections will be held in three wards across the country on Friday, March 1st, 2024. The affected wards are Buntungwa in Mufulira District (Copperbelt Province), Mumbotuta in Milenge District (Luapula Province), and Itapa in Chinsali District (Muchinga Province).
These by-elections are necessitated by the resignations of Eugen Zulu (Patriotic Front) from Buntungwa Ward and Gift Chibuye (Patriotic Front) from Mumbotuta Ward. The by-election in Itapa Ward is a result of the unfortunate passing of Councilor Lawrence Chanda (Patriotic Front).
Nominations for candidates seeking to contest in these by-elections are scheduled for Thursday, February 1st, 2024. The campaign period will kick off on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, and conclude at 18:00 hours on Thursday, February 29th, 2024.
Aspiring candidates are required to submit completed and attested statutory declarations and nomination papers subscribed before a recognized authority, such as a Magistrate, Local Court Magistrate, Head of a Government Primary or Secondary School, or a Commissioner for Oaths. The submission deadline is between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.
Nomination fees for various categories are outlined, with a focus on gender and inclusivity. Male candidates in the Councillor/City and Municipal category will pay K1,500.00, while their female counterparts will pay K1,000.00. Similar fees apply for youth and persons with disabilities. In the Councillor/Town/District category, the fees are reduced to K600.00 for males and K500.00 for females, youth, and persons with disabilities.
All candidates must also present certified copies of their Grade 12 Certificates, and adoption certificates of candidates sponsored by political parties must bear the signature and full names of the party president or secretary general.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia emphasizes that failure to comply with these requirements will render nomination papers invalid. Media personnel and non-governmental organizations intending to monitor the elections are advised to apply for accreditation in their respective districts during specified dates.
The schedule for the ward by-elections, reasons for each, and additional details are provided by the Electoral Commission. For further clarification, the public can contact the Corporate Affairs Department or the District Electoral Officers in the respective districts.
Raphael Phiri, Corporate Affairs Officer for the Electoral Commission of Zambia, urged all eligible voters and stakeholders to actively participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard during these upcoming by-elections.
