Mayoral ballot papers in as PF, UPPZ nod process

THE first consignment of ballot papers for the July 26, Lusaka mayoral, council chairperson and local government by- elections have arrived while the final consignment is scheduled to arrive today. 16 pallets of the ballot papers aboard an Emirates plane touched down at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at 14:35hours yesterday while 11 pallets are expected to arrive in the country today (Tuesday). Patriotic Front representative Brian Katunansa expressed happiness that the ballot papers had arrived.

Mr Katunansa described the process as satisfactory and expressed confidence that the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ) was doing its job professionally.

The PF representative said the party was looking forward to the verification process at ECZ which was scheduled for today until Thursday.

He said the party was carrying out issue based and progressive campaigns.

“On behalf of President Edgar Lungu and the party secretary general as well as the general party membership we are happy that the ballot papers are here, “We are satisfied with the process and we have confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia," he said.

And United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) representative John Kalwena said the party was satisfied with the transparency process in the manner the ECZ discharged its duties.

Mr Kalwena said the party was ready for the Lusaka mayoral elections and that its campaign was going on smoothly.

He said its Lusaka mayoral candidate Madalitso Musukwa was the youngest at the age of 25 among the contenders.

The Lusaka mayoral seat fell vacant following the demise of Mr Wilson Kalumba and the election has been set for July 26.