(3 minutes read)
· The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set apart an initial budget of K13 million for the conduct of the by-elections in Kabwata Parliamentary, and Sokontwe and Liangati Ward by-elections, due shortly.
· The funding covers activities from nominations to polls. Nominations for the elections were received on Wednesday 19 January 2022. ECZ always budgets for by-elections
· The commission has an approved budget of K85 million for 2022. It may be noted that many election petitions were recorded after the 2021 general election
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set apart an initial budget of K13 million for the conduct of the by-elections in Kabwata Parliamentary, and Sokontwe and Liangati Ward by-elections, due shortly.
The funding covers activities from nominations to polls. Nominations for the elections were received on Wednesday 19 January 2022. ECZ always budgets for by-elections. The commission has an approved budget of K85 million for 2022. It may be noted that many election petitions were recorded after the 2021 general election.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia received a letter dated 7 January 2022 from the United Progressive Party (UPP) Kabwata Parliamentary by-election candidate, Libanda Francis indicating his withdrawal from the forthcoming by-election and another letter dated 10 January 2022 clarifying his decision whilst invoking the provision of Article 52 of the Republican constitution that relates to withdrawal of nomination and grounds on which it can be invoked.
The commission states that a withdrawal is permitted before close of nominations. However, a candidate can seek invocation of the provisions of article 52 (6) of the republican constitution, thereby canceling elections. That will necessitate calling fresh nominations for eligible candidates. Libanda in his letter dated 10 January 2022 invoked the provisions of article 52 (6) of the constitution of Zambia. Analysts are eagerly awaiting the response from the Election Commission.
