LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY-ELECTIONS FOR THREE (3) WARDS

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has prescribed Tuesday, 19^th November, 2024 as the date on which to hold  three (3) ward local government  by-elections in Dilika Ward of Chipata District in Eastern Province, Iyaya Ward in Mungwi District of  Northern Province and Kalwanyembe Ward of  Mumbwa District in  Central Province.

The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours on Tuesday, 19^th November, 2024.

Nominations for the said by-elections will be conducted on Tuesday, 22^nd October, 2024. Campaign period commences on Wednesday, 23^rd October, 2024  at 14:00 hours and will end at 18:00 hours on Monday, 18^th November, 2024.  

The vacancies in the three wards are due to resignations and death. 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, 22^nd October, 2024 between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours.  

All aspiring candidates in these by-elections will be required to pay non-refundable nomination fees as detailed in the table below:

All Candidates in the by-elections must also present certified copies of their Grade 12 Certificates, as a minimum academic qualification or equivalent.

Adoption certificates of candidates sponsored by a political party should bear both the signatures and full names of both the Secretary General and President, or the Secretary General of the party.

In view of the above requirements, 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 invalid.  

Media personnel and registered non-governmental organisations wishing to monitor/observe the election are advised to apply for accreditation in the respective districts, at the Civic Centre, which will take place from Saturday 19^th to Monday 21^st October, 2024 for the Nominations and Saturday 16^th November to Monday 18^th November 2024 for the Polls.   

Accreditation for participating political party officials/representatives of candidates wishing to monitor election in the ward shall only be up to a maximum of 10 members per political party/candidate. Please note that only a maximum of 5 accredited members per political party/candidate and two accredited representatives of NGOs shall be authorized to represent their respective political parties or NGOs at the Collation Centre (Totalling 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.

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. 

SCHEDULE FOR THE BY-ELECTIONS 

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

Sylvia Bwalya

Senior Corporate Affairs Officer

For/The Commission

ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA