AVAP calls for peaceful campaigns in Kabwata byelections

ANTI-VOTER Apathy Executive Director Richwell Mulwani has called for peaceful campaigns in Kabwata parliamentary by elections slated for January 20, 2022.

Mr Mulwani says this is because the violence which has already manifested has a potential to make voters shun away from participating in the elections. ZANIS reports that AVAP Executive Director in an interview said people of Kabwata should be allowed to vote for a person of their own choice advising that all political party leaders to conduct issue based campaigns.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set January 20, 2022 as the date on which to hold the Kabwata Constituency Parliamentary by-election. The seat is being contested by seven aspiring candidates with Andrew Tayengwa contesting the seat on ruling UPND, while Clement Tembo will contest of the former ruling party , Patriotic Front ( PF ) with Francis Libanda vying the seat on United Progressive Party (UPP) ticket.

Tripher Ng’andu will stand on the Socialist Party ( SP ) Ticket, while Henry Muleya will stand on Patriots for Economic Progress ( Pep) ticket with Chilufya Tayali contesting the seat on Economic Revolution Party ( EPP ) ticket.

However , Mr Libanda yesterday made a surprising U-turn yesterday when he stepped down for personal reason a move that unsettled contesting parties as according to the ECZ fresh nominations have to be made within 30 days.

The election in Kabwata Constituency follows the death of United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament, Mr. Levy Mkandawire on November 18, 2021. -

ZANIS