BY-ELECTIONS FOR MONGU DISTRICT AND TWO (2) LOCAL GOVERNMENT WARDS

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate release)

BY-ELECTIONS FOR MONGU DISTRICT AND TWO (2) LOCAL GOVERNMENT WARDS

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has prescribed Thursday 7^th April, 2022 as the date on which to hold the Mongu District Mayoral by-election in Western Province. On the same date, the Commission will also conduct two (2) Local Government Ward by-elections in Lukutu Ward of Luwingu Town Council in Northern Province and Katimba Ward of Monze Town Council in Southern Province. Nominations for the said by-elections will conducted on Tuesday, 15^th March, 2022

The by-elections in Mongu District and Katimba Ward have been necessitated following the death of United Party for National Development (UPND) Mayor, Mr. Nyambe Matakala, on Thursday 24^th February, 2022 and Area Councillor Mr. Nephas Hachibala on 4^th February, 2022 respectively.  The vacancy in Lukutu Ward is as a result of the nullification of the election of Ward Councillor, Mr. Kennedy Katongo of Patriotic Front (PF) on 27^th September, 2021 and following the dismissal of an appeal in the constitutional court on 20^th January 2022.

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 for Oaths, Election Officer or returning officer on Tuesday, 15^th March, 2022 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours. 

Aspiring candidates for the Mayoral by-election in Mongu District should take along with them, fifteen (15) supporters who must be registered voters in the said District. The supporters must have in their possession their Green National Registration Cards and Voters’ Cards. Male aspiring candidates for the Mayoral by-election will be required to pay Fifteen Thousand Kwacha (K15, 000), while female aspiring candidates are required to pay Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred Kwacha (K13, 500) non-refundable nomination fee. Youth and Persons with Disabilities aspiring candidates are expected to pay Ten Thousand (K10, 000) non-refundable nominations fees.  

Aspiring candidates in the Local Government ward by-elections should take along with them nine (9) supporters who must be registered voters in the affected wards. Male Aspiring candidates will be required to pay One Thousand Five Hundred Kwacha (K1, 500.00), for Municipal Councils and Six Hundred Kwacha (K600.00) for Town Councils, non-refundable nomination fee.

Female, Youth and persons with Disabilities aspiring candidates in the Local Government ward by-elections are required to pay One Thousand Kwacha (K1, 000) for Municipal Council and Five Hundred Kwacha (K500) for Town Councils non-refundable nomination fee.

All Candidates in the 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.

Media personnel and Registered Non-Governmental Organisations wishing to monitor/observe the elections are advised to apply for accreditation in the respective districts which will take place from Saturday 12^th to Monday 14^th March, 2022, for Nominations and Monday 4^th to Wednesday 6^th April 2022 for the Polls.  

Accreditation for participating political party officials/representatives of candidates wishing to monitor elections in the district/ wards shall only be up to a maximum of 10 members per political party.

Please note that only a maximum of 5 accredited members per political party/candidate and two accredited representatives of NGOs shall be authorised to represent their respective political parties or NGOs at the Collation Centre (Totaling Centre).

Only five (5) senior officials of any participating political party/candidate with Electoral Commission of Zambia accreditation will be allowed to accompany aspiring candidates into the Nomination Centre during the filing of nominations. The rest of the supporters should remain outside the 400 meter parameter from the Nomination Centre in accordance with the law.

Note that the campaign period for these elections commences on Tuesday 15^th March, 2022 after 15:00 hours and will end at 18:00 hours on Wednesday, 6^th April, 2022. 

In addition, not more than two (2) political party members/candidate representatives per participating political party/candidate shall be allowed to witness counting of votes at the Polling Station.

The Commission would like to further inform all stakeholders and participating political parties/candidates that they are required to observe the Ministry of Health guidelines and procedures on the prevention of COVID-19. In this regard the Commission has put in place measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 during all electoral activities and is appealing to all stakeholders in the electoral process to adhere to the set guidelines.

SCHEDULE

Mayoral by-election

Ward By-elections

For any clarification, please contact the Corporate Affairs Department on 0211 252208 or the District Electoral Officers in the respective districts.

Patricia Luhanga

Corporate Affairs Manager

For/The Commission

ELECTORAL COMMISION OF ZAMBIA