ECZ starts preps for Katuba by-election
By Staff Reporter
ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has started its preparations for the Katuba parliamentary by-election following official notification from the Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini of the vacancy.
Speaking in an interview with ZNBC news in Lusaka yesterday, ECZ Public Relations Manager Margaret Chimanse said the preparations for the Katuba by election had started.
The Katuba seat fell vacant following the death of UPND area Member of Parliament Patricia Mwashingwele.
And Governance, Elections, Advocacy Research Services (GEARS) Initiative executive director McDonald Chipenzi said political stakes would soon rise in Katuba.
Chipezi said that being close to Lusaka, the house of many notorious violent thirsty cadres, many people anticipate serious confrontation between the rival parties.
“With political leadership and police’s will to maintain peace, Katuba by-election can be expected to produce nothing but peace and tolerance,” he said.
He stated that those cadres claiming to be given Katuba to handle so as to promote violence must be caged and should not be treated with kid gloves.
Chipenzi has advised political parties to strategise on peaceful campaigns.
“The code of conduct must be enforced religiously by ECZ, Police and ACC in Katuba and no sacred cow syndrome should be entertained,” he said.
Meanwhile, ECZ has announced Tuesday, June 6, 2019 as the date for two (2) local government by-elections in Maambo Ward of Pemba District and Lupui Ward in Mitete District where respective councillors resigned.
“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 of Oaths, Election Officer or Returning Officer on Thursday 23rd May,” Chimanse said.
She added that media personnel and registered Non-Governmental Organisations wishing to monitor/observe the elections were advised to apply for accreditation in the respective districts which will take place from 22nd May to 5th June, 2019.
Chimanse said that accreditation for political party officials wishing to monitor elections in the wards shall only be up to a maximum of 10 members per political party.
She disclosed that the campaign period for these elections commences on Thursday May 23, 2019 after 15:00 hours and will end at 18:00 hours on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.
