By JOHN SAKALA
The parliamentary by-elections for Roan and Bahati constituencies in the Patriotic Front strongholds will be held on April 11.
Shockingly, Kafue whose mayor had resigned in November 2018, is still missing on the list but the constituencies which were declared vacant few days ago have been listed.
Last time during the February 12, 2019 Sesheke polls, Electoral Commission of Zambia Public Relations Manager Margaret Chimanse said that the Kafue mayoral by-elections couldn’t be held because it was less than 30 days.
But UPND’s Kabize Hamusunga wonders why Kafue is again missing when 30 days have not yet elapsed from the day Roan seat was declared vacant.
On April 11, ECZ will also conduct seven (7) Local Government By-elections in Chinyanja Ward of Kabwe District, Makunku Ward of Itezhi-tezhi District, Chilyapa Ward of Mansa District.
Others are Lengelengenda Ward of Chavuma District, Mfinshe Ward of Mungwi District, Muyondoti Ward of Mitete District, and Muchinga Ward of Chama District.
The By-elections in Bahati and Roan Constituencies have been necessitated following the expulsion of incumbent Bahati Member of Parliament Harry Kalaba on Monday January 28, 2019 and the crossing of the floor of Chishimba Kambwili of Roan Constituency from Patriotic Front (PF) to National Democratic Congress (NDC) as declared by the Speaker of the National Assembly on February 27, 2019.
The vacancies in Chinyanja Ward, Makunku Ward, Chilyapa Ward, Lengelengenda Ward, Mfinshe Ward, Muyondoti Ward and Muchinga Ward are as a result of resignations and death of Councillors.
The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours.
Media personnel and Registered Non-Governmental Organisations wishing to monitor and observe the elections are advised to apply for accreditation in the respective districts which will take place from Monday March 11, 2019 to Sunday April 7, 2019.
