Commission Sets Date for Chilanga and Six Ward By-Elections

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set Tuesday, 5th June, 2018 as the date on which to hold the Parliamentary by-election in Chilanga Constituency of Chilanga District.

The by-elections in Chilanga will be held on the same day with six Local Government wards in Mwense, Kasama, Chienge, Sinda and Nyimba districts.

In a statement released on 18th April 2018, Public Relations Manager, Ms. Margaret Chimanse said the vacancy in Chilanga Constituency occurred following the conviction of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Mr. Keith Mukata by the High Court. She said the vacancies in the six wards had occurred as a result of a death and resignations.

Ms. Chimanse further said that nominations for the said elections would take place on the 3rd of May, 2018 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours.

The Public Relations Manager emphasised that candidates in both the Parliamentary and the Local Government by-elections must present certified copies of their grade 12 certificates or equivalent or higher qualification, which must be verified by the Examination Council of Zambia or the Zambia Qualification Authority respectively.

“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,” the statement read in part.

Ms. Chimanse further said that accreditation in the respective districts would take place from 27th April to 1st June 2018.

Other activities scheduled to take place in Chilanga to increase awareness in the electoral process are a Traditional Leaders Meeting and Youth Conference on 4th and 5th May, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Elections department has constituted teams which will supervise the conduct of nominations in the various districts.