By Flavior Kanungo
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has announced that 15 presidential candidates have so far completed the pre-processing of party supporters in all the ten provinces.
ECZ chief electoral officer Kryticous Patrick Nshindano has also disclosed that 20 presidential candidates have paid up their K95, 000 nomination fees.
Mr Nshindano said out of the 20 presidential candidates 5 are yet to complete the process among them Felix Mutati of the movement for Democratic Change and Nason M’soni of All people’s congress party.
And Mr Nshindano says the nomination fees are non-refundable stating that all candidates who will fail to complete the pre-processing of supporters before filing in their nominations would forfeit their fees.
Filing in of nominations begins today with President Edgar Lungu being the first presidential candidate to file in nominations at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
“With reference to the Election Calendar, we will start receiving nominations for all electable offices starting tomorrow (today) as follows: Presidential Candidates – 17th to 20th May 2021, National Assembly – 17th May 2021, Mayoral/Council Chairperson – 18th May 2021 and Councillors – 19th May 2021,” Mr Nshindano said.
“Please note that only presidential candidates will file in nominations at Mulungushi International conference centre the rest will file in from their respective districts,” he added.
Mr Nshindano also urged all aspiring candidates for Presidential, National Assembly, Mayor/Council Chairperson and Councilor to ensure that all necessary nomination documentation is in place as provided for in the ECZ Nomination Checklist.
He said Presidential aspirants should ensure to include a Tax Clearance Certificate from ZRA and copy of Declaration of Assets and Liabilities.
Meanwhile National Assembly candidates should attach a copy of their Declaration of Assets and Liabilities and aspiring Candidates for Mayor/ Council Chairperson and Councillor should attach the Tax Clearance Certificate from the Council.
And commission secretary Bob Musenga has cautioned independent candidates against using any political party symbols as they come for filling in of nominations.
Mr Musenga said it is against the provisions of the ECZ for independent members to be attached to any political parties.
