ECZ explains Petauke by-election result delay
By Joy Nyambe
The Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ- says the delay in announcing the result for the just ended Petauke Central Constituency by-election was not on purpose.
ECZ Chairperson MWANGALA ZALOUMIS has explained that the law does not permit the announcing of parliamentary, including local government and Council Chairperson Election results until all results have been received from all the polling stations.
Mrs. ZALOUMIS says only presidential results are an exception as they are held throughout the country.
She adds that the Commission cannot announce results due to pressure from certain political parties as it would be the basis of an election petition.
This is in view of the announcement of results a day after they were held in Petauke, as ballot papers from about eight polling stations could only be carried by helicopter.
Mrs. ZALOUMIS has described the poll as peaceful.
She said this during a review meeting today in Petauke when she addressed Presiding Officers in the just ended by-election.
And ECZ Commissioner, VINCENT MUKANDA commended the Presiding Officers for the job well done in delivering a successful electoral process.
Major General MUKANDA said the good job also reflects on the Commission’s success.
