By-elections: Vote counting starts

Counting of votes for the Kawambwa Central Parliamentary by-election has started.

This follows the closure of all polling stations at 18:00.

ZNBC’s Wilson Mulinda reports that despite a slow start, the voter turnout improved as the day progressed after a heavy downpour in the morning.

The announcement of the winner is expected to be done upon completion of the count, with all political parties confident of scooping the day.

Kawambwa Central Constituency has over 25,000 registered voters.

The by-election is being contested by UPND’s Nason Musonda, Danstan Mwansa of the New Congress Party, Socialist Party’s Kennedy Kapambwe, Kennedy Chomba of UPPZ, and Peter Bwalya of the Movement for Change and Equality.

Meanwhile, counting is underway in the Shangombo’s Lilondo Ward by-election in Western Province.

ZNBC’s Moombe Hamoobola reports that the ward has 354 registered voters.

Justine Ndongani is contesting on the United Party for National Development (UPND) ticket, while the Socialist Party candidate is John Mubita.

ZNBC’s Chembe Mbale reports that in the Kawama Ward local government by-election in Chililabombwe District, counting is also underway.

The by-election is being held to fill a vacant council seat following the demise of the Councillor for that ward, Getrude Witola, who was also the Deputy Mayor for Chililabombwe.

Candidates contesting the by-election include Chanda Joseph of the Socialist Party, Nawa Kanengu of the ruling UPND, Ntambi Few Days, an independent candidate, and Emmie Mwaba contesting under FDD.

Others are Mulonga Kelvin contesting on the Leadership Movement party and Chungu Wesley standing as a candidate under NHP.