The on-going parliamentary adoptions by the ruling Patriotic Front’s Central Committee has seen several prominent persons replaced.

In Northern Province, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Christopher Yaluma who has been an MP since 2011 was beaten by former Consular General, Robert Kaela Kalimi.

National Youth Chairperson, Kelvin Mutale Sampa has been replaced by Sibongile Mwamba, daughter to former Defence Minister, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba(GBM) for Kasama Central.
Former Permanent Secretary, Charles Sipanje will replace Mwalimu Simfukwe for Mbala Constituency.

Northern Province Minister Lazarous Bwalya Chungu has tumbled to PF’s first MP, Emmanuel Musonda Mpankanta for Lupososhi Constituency.

Presidential Affairs Minister, Freedom Sikazwe, Minister of Transport, Mutotwe Kafwaya, and National Assbly Chief Whip, Brian Mundubile have been re-adopted for Mpulungu, Lunte, and Mporokoso respectively.

Here is the full list expected to be announced by the Secretary-General on Sunday.

1. Kasama central – Sibongile Mwamba
2. Lukasha Constituency – George Chisanga .
3. Chilubi Constituency – Mulenga Francis Fube
4. Lupososhi Constituency – Emmanuel Musonda Mpakata.
5. Lubansenshi Constituency- Kolala Mulenga.
6. Lunte Constituency – Hon Kafwaya
7. Mporokoso Constituency – Brian Mundubile
8. Chimbamilonga – Elias Musonda.
9. Kaputa – Mr Chikontwe
10. Senga Hill – Mrs Beatrice Nakazwe
11. Malole – Robert Kalimi
12. Mbala – PS Charles Sipanje.
13. Mpulungu – Hon Freedom Sikazwe

Acting District Electoral Officer, Imboela Imboela has urged 2021 Shangombo district aspiring candidates to adhere to the requirements for the 2021 elections.

He said that those contesting in various elections must be aware that this year’s system will reject fake certificates saying that ECZ is working closely with the Law enforcement that will ensure culprits are apprehended as soon as the machine recognises foul play.

Mr Imboela who gave an example that for the National Assembly, Mayoral/Council Chairperson an affidavit form is to be completed with certified copies of the candidate’s national registration card, voters’ card, declaration of assets and liabilities form as well as a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent.

“The time is now let’s ensure that the affidavit and all necessary papers such as the grade 12 certificate are in place so that at the time of filling in your nominations you will have everything in place to avoid last minute disappointments.”

Speaking during the Electoral Commission of Zambia, nomination briefing programme for 2021 candidates in Shangombo district, the Acting DEO further emphasised that for verification purposes, all original copies of all the required documents attached to the affidavit must be availed to the returning officer.

Mr Imboela urged the aspiring candidates not to use back door routes but to take keen interest in going back to school if they are not in possession of a grade 12 certificate.

He further disclosed that any registered voter has the right to go by their ward as a stakeholder to inspect the nomination papers of an aspiring candidate in their ward for verification purposes.

Meanwhile, he said that electoral stakeholders such as the Media or election agents play a significant role in promoting credibility in the electoral process.

He said there is a need for candidates as well as electoral stakeholders to understand and know their roles, saying their duties must be discharged in accordance with the Electoral code of conduct.

A consortium of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based on the Copperbelt province has advised a section of stakeholders seeking interpretation of the law on the eligibility of President Edgar Lungu as Patriotic Front (PF) party candidate in the August general election this year to exhaust their questions before the country goes to the poll.

ZANIS reports that Zambia Peace Form (ZAPEF) Chairperson Patrick Muntanga has observed that some sections have a preconceived ideas to bring about disturbance during the elections.

Mr.Mutanga stressed that the constitution is very clear on the subject being question and the constitution court is still open for appeals where not clear.

“It’s unfortunate that we have some sections of society that feel they can wake up and cause disturbance in the electoral process just because of some education they have acquired at the expense of development.

The constitution court has already made its ruling on President Lungu’s eligibility and it is clear,” he stated.

Mr.Muntaga has advised the parties involved in appealing the eligibility that their actions should not fuel conflicts in the country.

He stated that since the country attained independence, it has embraced democratic processes and elected its leaders through a ballot.

Mr Muntaga has warned that parties that will be involved in electoral violence will be held accountable by the Zambian people and international community.

Over 100 United Party For National Development (UPND) members in Kanakantapa ward of Chongwe constituency have defected to the ruling Patriotic front (PF).

Chongwe Member of Parliament Japhen Mwakalombe who received the defectors after watching a soccer tournament for youths in the area commended them for joining PF adding that the party is ready to work with everyone who is willing to foster development in the country.

Mr. Mwakalombe stated that he is pleased to note that a lot of people in Chongwe are joining PF as they appreciate the development which is taking place in the area.

He cited the construction of 55 kilometres of roads and a Police station in Kanakantapa as one of the milestones undertaken by the government to uplift the lives of people in the farming area.

The lawmaker also urged old PF members to embrace new members and work with them at all levels of the party.

He further called on young people in the ward to use their skills in sport as a means of earning a living.

Meanwhile, one of the defectors Joyce Machona disclosed that she has decided to join PF because she is impressed with the development that has been delivered to the area by government.

President Edgar Lungu has challenged the church to counsel politicians to observe the rule of law before, during and after elections.

President Lungu stated that the church has a cardinal role to play in promoting peace and unity in the country.

He said all political players are expected to be patriotic and upon the one Zambia one nation motto.

“And please give all political players counsel to ensure respect for the rule of law during and after the elections.

“We are expected to be patriotic and uphold the one Zambia one nation motto as this will enable us to coexist during this period,” he said

The President urged the church to pray for a peaceful elections as the country gears up for campaigns next week ahead of the August 12 polls.

President Lungu stated that the church has a significant role to play in fostering peace and harmony in the country.

He said as a country, Zambia is known for its record of peace in the region and at global level.

President Lungu has since urged Zambians to strive to uphold the record and to coexist regardless of political divergent views.

“Let’s us respect other and associate with each other even when we differ in affliction of political parties,” said the President.

The Head of State said this when he graced the construction of the BIGOCA multipurpose facility in Lusaka’s Barlastone area.

And President Lungu has implored political parties to observe COVID-19 guidelines ahead of campaigns next week.

He reminded the gathering that COVID-19 has claimed a lot of lives and continues enhance the need to observe the guidelines.

President Lungu hoped that political plays will adhere to the guidelines to be provide by the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Ministry of Health.

President Lungu said there is need to observe COVID-19 guidelines by all political players so as to avoid flaring of COVID cases in the country.

And speaking at the same event Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili encouraged churches to seize the opportunity by building beautiful church buildings.

Rev Sumaili also informed the gathering that the construction of the house of national prayers has progressed.

Meanwhile BIGOCA General Overseer Archbishop Peter Royd Ndhlovu disclosed that 300 direct and indirect jobs are going to be created within the surrounding community.

Dr Ndhlovu expressed optimism that livelihoods of the local will be improved as a result of the construction project.

He cited the construction of a community school and a clinic as some of the immediate benefits that will be passed to the community of Barlastone.

Kabwe District Electoral Officer (DEO), Joel Shawa, says it is imperative that stakeholders acquaint themselves to the electoral rules.

Officially opening an Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) nomination briefing at the Civic Centre this morning, Mr Shawa said it is imperative that stakeholders especially candidates must be taken through the steps of filing in their nominations to avoid hiccups.

He urged the stakeholders to be very attentive during the proceedings and ask questions in order to be armed with the right electoral information.

“It will be sad and unfair for an aspiring candidate to fail to file nominations even after being briefed,” Mr Shawa said.

He said aspiring candidates should pay particular attention to the opening and close time on the nomination day to void being disadvantaged.

“Once the returning officer has announced that the nomination centre has closed, there are no negotiations. If you show up out of the stipulated time, do not bother the officer because we are guided by rules,” he said.

Aspiring candidates from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), Socialist Party, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), the United Party for National Development (UPND), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the National Party for Progress attended the briefing meeting.

Meanwhile, Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) Senior Health Inspector, Humphrey Munsanje, has advised political players not to drop the guard against the COVID 19 pandemic.

Mr Munsanje said all stakeholders especially political parties should encourage their members to continue abiding by the COVID 19 golden rules.

He also reminded aspiring candidates from various political parties and other stakeholders that the COVID 19 vaccines are now available and those willing can access them at various health facilities.

Mwinilunga District Electoral Officer Kennedy Kazanda says nomination briefings are an important exercise during any election period as they help in contributing to smooth running of an election and enhance democratic practices.

Mr Kazanda said this during the August 12th, 2021 general elections stakeholders’ nominations briefing meeting held in the district today.

He said the exercise is tailored to equip electoral stake holders with information that will help aspiring candidates especially to lodge in their nominations without any challenges.

He said Electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ) does not want confusion during nomination hence wants to ensure everyone knows what to do when filing in so that they are not disqualified.

“We do not want confusion during nomination, that is why this meeting has been called for you to know in advance what you are required to present,” he said.

Mr Kazanda said nomination briefings is one of the series of important activities culminating into Election Day.

He reminded aspiring candidates and political parties to know all the wards and polling stations in the district including newly delimitated ones as it will help them manage their campaigns and election activities in general.

Mr Kazanda urged stakeholders to take note of changes which have taken place pertaining filing in nomination in this year’s elections such as the Grade12 certificate or its equivalent requirements.

“Ask all questions here, this is where you will get the correct information not elsewhere,” Mr Kazanda said.

He requested stakeholders present in the meeting to get all necessary clarifications as it is the only official platform where they can be given accurate and correct information pertaining election nominations as opposed to getting information from outside sources.

The nomination briefings are being held country wide in preparation for filing in nominations for the August, 12, 2021 general elections scheduled to start on May 17th, 2021.