Mkushi stakeholders proposes increased constituencies

Stakeholders on the Delimitation of Constituencies in Mkushi in Central Province have proposed an increase in constituencies in the district from the current two to five.

During the recent stakeholders meeting in Mkushi, the general consensus amongst residents brought forth a proposal which would have Mkushi North, Central, Chalata, and South as well as Luano valley constituencies.

Chairing the meeting, District Electoral Officer (DEO) Oswell Mpofu said the proposals would be compiled and dispatched to Kabwe before being referred to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

He said the composition of delegates that made up the stakeholder meeting was diverse, explaining that political parties, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Government departments and the Clergy, had all been represented.

In reading out the proposed constituencies, Mr Mpofu said residents wanted Mkushi North to comprise Nkumbi, Musofu, and Upper Lunsemfwa wards owing to its dense population.

He said the proposals also earmarked Munshibemba, Chibefwe, Tembwe and Chikanda wards to be grouped into Mkushi Central constituencies with Chalata constituency being made up of Chalata, Nshinso and Matuku.

He said Munda, Kamimbya and Nkomashi wards had proposed to form Mkushi South Constituency, whilst Luano valley constituency was earmarked to comprise Kalwa, Chingombe, Chipaba and Mwalala.

At the same meeting, Mkushi District Commissioner (DC) Musonda Chunga expressed concern with voter registration statistics from the on-going registration exercise.

Mr Chunga said there was need for all stakeholders involved in the voter registration exercise to ensure the exercise and mobile issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) result in more voters being registered.

The DC called for coordinated planning and implementation from stakeholders involved in the two exercises and pointed out that the programme was meant to be completed within the stipulated March 31 deadline.

He also thanked delegates who attended the Delimitation meeting, saying he had been impressed by their maturity and sense of unity exhibited during the deliberations.

ZANIS