ECZ set for Kasama by-election, as VEFs undergo training

he Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has enhanced preparations for the Kasama District mayoral by-election slated for January 29, 2025.
‎
‎Northern Province Electoral Officer (PEO) Alfred Nyambose says the ECZ has put everything in place to ensure that the by-election is conducted peacefully.
‎
The media reports that Mr Nyambose indicated that the commission has embarked on the training of officers who will be in charge of spearheading activities for the by-election.
‎
He was speaking when he officially opened the training for the Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) in Kasama District.
‎
The Provincial Electoral Officer called on the trained VEFs to be confident as they will be undertaking their duties in the field.
‎
Mr Nyambose said proper voter education is key in ensuring that electorates get the information on how the by-election will be conducted.
‎
“We do not want to have so many spoiled and rejected ballot papers during this mayoral by-election due to a lack of voters not knowing how to cast their votes,” he said.
‎
He said the task which the Voter Education Facilitators will be undertaking is huge and requires serious and dedicated people.
‎
Mr Nyambose noted that the coming by-election is critical, as it will give the people of Kasama a chance to elect their mayor, who will replace the late Theresa Kolala, who died on December 5, 2025.
‎
He appealed to all the VEFs to be professional and non-partisan, as they will be undertaking their duties in the field.
‎
“You are not going in the field to represent any political party, so stick to the mandate of the commission,” he advised.
‎
Mr Nyambose reminded the VEFs that their role is to prepare the electorate to adequately stick to the mandate of the ECZ.
‎
Electoral Commission of Zambia Trainer of Trainers Josephine Mubita said the role of Voter Education Facilitators is critical as it prepares voters for things they need to do on the voting day.
‎
Ms Mubita urged VEFs in Kasama to disseminate the information to the electorate so that they would be able to choose the leader of their choice.
‎
She added that the training being undertaken is aimed at equipping VEFs with knowledge and information which will help voters to participate in the coming by-election effectively.
‎
“This programme will help to increase citizen participation in an election,” she indicated.
‎
The by-election has arisen due to the death of the Kasama Mayor, Theresa Kolala, who died on December 5, 2025.
‎