NAKONDE, MAGOYE AND CHONGWE PARLEY POLLS DATE SET

The Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- has set 24^th November as the date for Chongwe, Nakonde and Magoye parliamentary by-elections.

ECZ Public Relations Manager, Cris Akufuna has also announced the same date for 35 local government by-elections while nominations for all the polls has been set for 1^st November.

The Chongwe parliamentary seat fell vacant after the resignation of the MMD Member of Parliament, Japhen Mwakalombe.

Parliamentary elections for Nakonde and Magoye could not take off on 20^th September, following the demise of named political candidates.

The local government by-elections could also not take off on 20^th September due to errors on ballot papers.

Meanwhile, non-state actors have welcomed pronouncements of plans to start printing ballot papers locally.

Yesterday, President Michael Sata promised government’s unwavering resolve t have ballot papers printed locally.

Transparency International Zambia Executive Director, Goodwell Lungu says the decision will act as a stringent measure towards the fight against corruption in Zambia.

Mr Lungu has told ZANIS that the anti-corruption crusade has failed in the past due to failing political will.

And Foundation for Democratic Process Executive Director, MacDonald Chipenzi has said the printing of ballot papers locally reduce cases of mistrust and suspicions over the process.