BY-ELECTIONS FOR VUBWI TOWN COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON AND ONE (1) LOCAL GOVERNMENT WARD IN MASAITI DISTRICT

11th January, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate release)
BY-ELECTIONS FOR VUBWI TOWN COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON AND ONE (1) LOCAL GOVERNMENT WARD IN MASAITI DISTRICT

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set Thursday, 4th February, 2021 as the date on which to hold by-elections for Vubwi Town Council Chairperson. On the same date the Commission will conduct a Local Government by-election in Miputu Ward of Masaiti District.

The by-election in Vubwi is as a result of the death of the Council Chairperson Mr. Joshua Daka. The vacancy in Miputu Ward was due to the resignation of the Area Councillor, Mr Mabeti Hosini. The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours.

Aspiring candidates in the by-elections should lodge completed nomination papers and attested statutory declaration forms before any of the following; 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 Thursday, 14th January 2021 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours.

Aspiring candidates for the Council Chairperson By-election in Vubwi Town Council should take along with them fifteen (15) supporters who must be registered voters in the said Town. The supporters must have in their possession their Green National Registration Cards and Voters’ Cards. Aspiring candidates for the Council Chairperson by-election will be required to pay Two Thousand Kwacha (K2, 000), non-refundable nomination fee.
Aspiring candidates in the Local Government Ward By-election should take along with them nine (9) supporters who must be registered voters in the affected ward. The supporters must have in their possession their Green National Registration Cards and Voters’ Cards. Aspiring candidates will be required to pay Four Hundred Kwacha (K400.00) non-refundable nomination fee.

All aspiring candidates must present certified copies of their Grade 12 Certificates, as a minimum academic qualification or its 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 Tuesday 12th to Wednesday 13th January, 2021 for the Nominations, and Monday 1st to Wednesday 3rd February, 2021 for the polls.

Accreditation for political party officials wishing to monitor elections in the District and Ward shall only be up to a maximum of 10 members per political party.

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

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

Only five (5) senior officials of any participating political party 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 metre parameter from the Nomination Centre in accordance with the law.

Note that the campaign period for these elections commences at 15:00 hours on Thursday 14th January 2021 and end at 18:00 hours on Wednesday 3rd February, 2021.

Kindly take note that stakeholders and participating political parties are all required to observe the Ministry of Health Guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19 at all times.

SCHEDULE

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 Chief Electoral Officer

ELECTORAL COMMISION OF ZAMBIA