Ballot papers for the Muchinda Ward by-election have arrived in Serenje District ahead of Thursday’s poll.
Voters in Muchinda Ward are expected to go to the polls on Thursday, February 12, to elect a councillor to replace the late Thomas Phiri, who died after an illness.
The offloading and handover of the ballot papers to District Electoral Officer Stan Mwanakayaya was witnessed by representatives of political parties participating in the by-election.
Mr Mwanakayaya said the presence of political parties and other stakeholders during the offloading process was critical to ensuring transparency, accountability, and credibility of the electoral process.
He noted that involving all stakeholders helps build confidence in the integrity of the election materials.
In separate interviews with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), political party representatives expressed satisfaction with the ballot papers.
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Campaign Manager Chester Kasonde described the process as transparent, saying party representatives had verified the materials.
Mr Kasonde urged electorates to turn out in large numbers on Thursday and vote for a councillor who would effectively represent the people of Muchinda Ward.
He also expressed confidence in FDD candidate Ronald Chola.
United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) District Chairperson Jonathan Chilufya also expressed satisfaction with the arrival of the ballot papers, saying it had instilled confidence that the election would take place as scheduled by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Meanwhile, United Party for National Development (UPND) District Vice Chairperson Misheck Tembo said the arrival of the ballot papers signalled readiness for the by-election.
Mr Tembo said the party had engaged the electorate on government achievements and expressed confidence of victory in the polls.
All the political party representatives called for a peaceful and violence-free election, urging voters to participate calmly in the democratic process.
