Polls open in five by-elections

Polls have opened in the five parliamentary by-elections in Solwezi Central, Zambezi West, Mkushi South Kasenengwa and Vubwi constituencies.

Polling stations opened at 06:00 hours and are expected to close at 18:00 hours later this evening.

The campaigns leading to today’s by-elections have been largely peaceful with no incident of violence reported.

This is in sharp contrast to incidents of violence recorded in recent by-elections involving rival political parties.

The five by-elections came about as a result of the nullification of election results by the High Court citing electoral malpractices.

Meanwhile the Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) says it expects today’s polls will see a good turnout of voters in view of the peaceful campaign period.

And AVAP Executive Director Richwell Mulwani has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to seriously reflect on the controversial electronic election results transmission system following its rejection by some political parties taking part in today’s by-elections.

Mr Mulwani has told Qfm News that in view of the fact that some political party have rejected the system which is earmarked to be piloted in the Vubwi and Kasenengwa constituencies, the commission should realize that going ahead with the system will only be a source of conflict.