NDC questions ECZ’s failure to hold local govt by-elections
By Staff Reporter
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it is disappointed that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has failed to hold local government by-elections countrywide.
Party spokesperson Erick Chanda said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said the affected wards had been vacant for over 90 days.
According to the Electoral Act, when a local government, parliamentary seat falls vacant, a by-election should be held within 90 days.
“The ECZ should explain to the nation what has necessitated and caused this delay. The NDC feels the Electoral body has abrogated the constitution owing to its inability to call for by-elections within the stipulated time frame,” said Chanda.
“Currently, a number of wards countrywide wide have no councilors, either because the office bearers resigned or died. As NDC, we want the ECZ to explain this unnecessary delay. As NDC we are aware that this regime has no money for the by-elections. As NDC we therefore appeal to the treasury to urgently release such funds to the ECZ so that it can conduct its mandate professionally.”
Chanda declared his party’s desire to participate in such by-elections.
