The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially opened the presidential nomination process for aspiring candidates ahead of the August 13 general elections.
The five-day nomination exercise, which begins today and runs until Friday, will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
Political party leaders and independent candidates are expected to file their nomination papers according to a schedule released by the Commission.
Today’s programme begins with Howard Kunda of the Zambia Wake Up Party (ZAWAPA), who is scheduled to file at 09:00 hours.
He will be followed by Charles Chanda of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) at 10:00 hours, while Kelvin Fube Bwalya of Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) is expected at 11:00 hours.
Liberal Democrats Party (LDP) leader Xavier Chungu will file at 12:00 hours, followed by Movement for Economic Emancipation (MEE) leader Given Chansa at 13:00 hours.
Christian Democratic Party (CDP) leader Daniel Pule is expected to conclude today’s programme at 15:00 hours.
Tuesday’s schedule includes Harry Kalaba, Enock Roosevelt Tonga, Francis Mandona Mwape and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Kasonde Mweenda.
National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) leader Brian Mundubile is scheduled to file at 14:00 hours, while Patriotic Front candidate Chitalu Chilufya will close Tuesday’s proceedings at 15:00 hours.
Wednesday’s nominations will feature Fred M’membe, Richard Silumbe, Chanda Katotobwe and Trevor Mwamba.
On Thursday, Makebi Zulu, Jackson Silavwe and Ackim Njobvu are expected to file their nominations.
Independent candidates Given Katuta and Willah Mudolo are also scheduled to appear before the Commission alongside Organised People’s Party leader Brian Mushimba.
The nomination process will conclude on Friday with New Focus Party president Richwell Siamunene, independent candidate Mwansa Mumbi Mupunda and New Congress Party leader Peter Chanda.
Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND is expected to close the nomination process at 13:00 hours on Friday.
The absence of influential figures such as Sean Tembo, Saboi Imboela, and Chishimba Kambwili is quite noticeable and unfortunate