ECZ Pushes Ahead With Local Government By-elections
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has confirmed plans to go ahead with polls for three Local Government By-elections in Nakato and Imalyo Wards of Mongu Town Council in Western Province, and Bulilo Ward of Chilubi Town Council in Northern Province.
According to the Commission these by-elections will take place as prescribed by Article 57(1) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act no. 2 of 2016, which provides that “where a vacancy occurs in the office of a Member of Parliament, Mayor, Council Chairperson or Councilor a by-election shall be held within 90 days of the occurrence of the vacancy.”
Setting out the measures the Commission is taking to address the challenges presented by the pandemic the group’s Public Relations Manager Margaret Chimanse stated, “the Commission will institute administrative measures to guide the conduct of all by-elections to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. Subsequently, the Commission has put in place the following measures to comply with the Ministry of Health guidelines:- (i) Adherence to the Public Health Statutory Instrument No. 22 of 2020 which outlines the guidelines and procedures on how to prevent, control and manage the COVID-19. (ii) Observance of all Public health procedures and allowing Health Personnel into our buildings such as meeting venues, Nomination Centres, Polling Stations and Totalling Centre. (iii) Provision of sanitary materials such as hand sanitizers, gloves, masks, soap and water to all polling staff and other officers at polling stations, all our meeting venues, Nomination Centre and Totalling Centre.”
“Provision of additional Officers/Ushers, including Health Personnel at meeting venues, Nomination Centres, Polling Stations and Totalling Centre to ensure that people are sanitized and observe hygiene standards in a public place or gathering. This is in addition to ensuring adherence to social distancing guidelines of keeping at least one-meter spacing on the queues for voting on Poll day. Encouraging Voters to leave their Children/babies at home and avoiding carrying them to the meeting venues, Nomination Centre, Polling Stations and Totalling Centre,” she continued.
The ECZ has, however, advised political parties against holding public rallies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It last week announced that it is reviewing its Roadmap for Elections as a result of the COVID-19 breakout.
“The Commission is monitoring events closely as the pandemic unfolds and is, therefore, re-aligning its Elections Calendar. As a consequence, the Voter Registration Exercise that was scheduled to commence in May will commence on a date to be advised,” the Commission stated.
The ECZ said it plans to advise stakeholders and the general public the commencement date for all the electoral processes leading up to the 2021 General Elections.
