The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set Thursday 13 August as date for the parliamentary and local government by- election for Chitambo Constituency in Central Province and other fifteen (15) wards in various Provinces.
The Chitambo fall vacant following the death of the area Member of Parliament Nasim-ul-Gani Hamir , while elections in the 15 wards are due to death and resignations of councilors.
ECZ Public Relations manger Cris Akufuna disclosed to ZANIS in a statement in Lusaka today that aspiring candidates in the by- elections are on Wednesday , 8th July expected to lodge complete and attested statutory declaration and nomination papers subscribed before a Magistrate, or Local court justice and Election Returning Officers among others..
He said those aspirating for the Parliamentary Chitambo seat will be required to pay K500, 000. 00 non-refundable nomination fee and accompanied nine (9) supporters who must be registered voters in the affected constituency when lodging in their nomination papers..
In the Local government by-elections , he added aspiring candidates in municipal Councils will be expected to pay K75, 000, 00 non refundable nomination fees while in district councils, they will be required to pay K50, 000, 00.
Mr. Akufuna noted that supporters should have in possession their green National Registering and voters Cards.
The campaign period for the elections will commence on 6th June, 2009 and end at 18:00 hours on 12 August 2009.
By-elections in the wards will be held in Central, Eastern, Luapula, North Western, Lusaka and Southern Provinces.
Meanwhile Mr. Akufuna has advised political party officials, registered Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) wishing to monitor or observe the elections to apply for accreditation from ECZ which will take place from 9th June to 6th August.
He said accreditation for political party officials will only be up to a maximum of 20 members per party.
ZANIS
Rig special
Ok, does VJ find this date suitable?