6 PARTIES FILE MANGANGO POLL NOMINATIONS

By KAIKO NAMUSA –
SIX political parties yesterday successfully filed in their nomination papers for the Mangango Parliamentary by-election slated for August 19, 2014.
The first candidate to file was Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD)’s Mweene Naluwa.
Mr Naluwa, who is a teacher by profession, pledged to address challenges in the education and water and sanitation sectors once elected as MP.
United National Independence Party (UNIP) candidate Janet Chingumbe was the second to file in the papers and expressed confidence that she would win the by-election.
MMD’s Charles Mwenzala also successfully filed in his nomination papers and was accompanied by national secretary Muhabi Lungu and MMD chairperson for elections Kenneth Chipungu.
UPND’s Godwin Putu also successfully filed in the nomination papers.
The Fourth Revolution Party’s candidate Mukumbuta Kabuyana also successfully filed in his papers.
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) candidate, Lyambai Lingweshi, who is a former headmaster and councillor was the last one to file in the nomination papers.
Mr Lingweshi was accompanied by PF national chairperson Inonge Wina and chairperson for elections, Sylvia Masebo.
Mr Lingweshi asked the people of Mangango to support the ruling party so that the area was developed.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set September 11, this year, as the date for by-elections in five constituencies.
The by-elections would be held in Solwezi Central and Zambezi West in North-Western Province, Vubwi, Kasenengwa, both of Eastern Province, and Mkushi South of Central Province.
ECZ public relations manager Chris Akufuna said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the elections followed the Supreme Court judgement of July 3, this year.
The Supreme Court ruled that the five motions filed to seek clarity on whether the holders of the Parliamentary seats could re-contest were nullified on the grounds of corruption was misconceived.
The seats were held by MMD’s Lucky Mulusa for Solwezi Central, Eustarckio Kazonga for Vubwi, Victoria Kalima for Kasenengwa, Sydney Chisanga for Mkushi South and Zambezi West which was held by UPND’s Charles Kakoma. The seats were nullified on grounds of electoral malpractices.
Mr Akufuna said aspiring candidates for the by-elections should lodge completed and attested statutory declaration and nomination papers subscribed before a magistrate, local court magistrate, head of Government or primary or secondary school, principal of a college, Commissioner of Oaths, election officer or returning officer on August 12, this year between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours.
Additionally, the aspiring candidates should take along with them nine supporters registered as voters in the affected constituencies and that the aspirants would be required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of K500.

Times of Zambia