Presiding Officer in charge of Kyawama polling station in Solwezi nabbed

A presiding officer who was in charge of Kyawama polling station in Tuvwanganai ward in Solwezi Central Constituency has been detained for forcing polling assistants to sign a declaration form before the official voting period closed.

District Electoral Officer Ronald Daka confirmed the development to ZANIS in an interview yesterday.

Mr Daka who is also Solwezi Council Town Clerk said Paul Samapumbi was apprehended by some political party agents who took him to the Central Police station where he was detained.

Commissioner of Police Eugene Sibote said he was aware of the incident but could not give details as he had not received a report from the officer in charge.

The electoral procedure stipulates that the declaration form must be signed after the counting of ballot papers is done at the polling station.

But Mr Daka explained that the matter has been resolved after a discussion with all concerned parties and Mr Sampumbi has been relieved of his duties as a presiding officer.