Government has announced that no by-election will be held to fill the vacant Mpika Town Council chairperson’s seat following the death of Morgan Musoma, citing constitutional restrictions as the country enters the 180-day period leading to the general elections.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu made the announcement in Parliament today while responding to an urgent question raised by Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo.
Acting as the leader of Government business in the House, Mwiimbu explained in a ministerial statement that, although the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) had received formal notification of the vacancy on February 4, 2026, the Constitution prohibits by-elections within 180 days before a general election.
He clarified that Article 158 of the Constitution requires by-elections to be held within 90 days of a vacancy. However, Article 57(2) overrides this provision by barring any by-election during the six months preceding a general election.
With Zambia’s next general election scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, the 180-day period began on February 14, 2026, leaving just nine days from the date the vacancy was reported.
Mwiimbu stated that the remaining timeframe was too short for ECZ to conduct a credible and lawful by-election. “Holding a credible by-election within such a timeframe is logistically and legally impractical,” he said.
He outlined several statutory requirements that could not be completed in the limited time, including issuing public notices, training election officers, verifying nominations, conducting campaigns, and printing and delivering ballot papers.
The minister further emphasized that rushing the process would compromise the integrity of the election and violate candidates’ rights to a fair and meaningful campaign period.
As a result, Mwiimbu confirmed that the Mpika Town Council chairperson’s seat will remain vacant until the general election on August 13, 2026, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
