THE Electoral Commission of Zambia has held a stakeholders’ engagement with aspiring candidates in preparation for the upcoming nominations for the Petauke Parliamentary By-Election.
Representatives from various political parties attended the meeting, which included the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Democratic Union Party (DUP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Citizens First Party (CFP), Leadership Movement Party (LMP) Forum for Democracy and Development Party (FDD) Patriotic Front (PF) and two independent candidates.
Speaking at the meeting, which took place at the Petauke Council Chambers, Electoral Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda (RTD), who spoke on behalf of Commissioner Chairperson Ms. Mwangala Zaloumis, explained that the engagement was organized to ensure aspiring candidates are informed about the requirements for submitting their nominations on January 7, 2025.
Major General Mukanda highlighted that the by-election will take place on February 7, 2025, as a result of the vacancy created by the Member of Parliament’s absence from the House since August 4, 2024.
He further clarified that the commission expects the bye-election to be peaceful and noted that similar elections are also scheduled for Pambasha Constituency in Kawambwa District (Luapula Province) and two ward by-elections in Mpongwe (Ntanda Ward) and Mongu (Litawa Ward).
“The commission expects the by-elections to be peaceful,” he stated.
Major General Mukanda emphasized that the Electoral Commission will engage traditional leaders to ensure they are fully informed of the proceedings.
He also mentioned plans to engage youth and women, noting that women would have a dedicated conference aimed at encouraging them to aspire to leadership roles and understand the importance of holding public office.
“The commission will also engage women and youth to emphasize the significance of their roles in this process,” he said.
He appealed to all aspiring candidates to adhere to the required guidelines and ensure they meet all necessary criteria.
Additionally, he announced that accreditation for those wishing to observe the nomination process would take place from January 4 to 6, 2025.
And Petauke District Electoral Officer, Kelvin Banda, reiterated the importance of ensuring peaceful elections, urging stakeholders to contribute positively toward achieving this goal.
Mr Banda praised the district’s history of peace and expressed hope that this tradition would continue throughout the electoral process.
“We want the district to remain peaceful, and even after the elections, we expect to review the process and ensure it was a success,” Mr Banda concluded.
