Yes, ECZ will conduct Elections for Kaumbwe constituency and other Local Government seats on 21st October 2021

Rating Justification

The fact-checking process has determined as true the claim that polls for Kaumbwe Constituency and other Local Government seats will be conducted on 21st October 2021. In a Press Release on 13th September 2021, ECZ stated that elections for Kaumbwe Constituency, Chisamba and Lusangazi District and four (4) Local Government Ward seats will be held on 21st October 2021. According to the statement, Article 52 (6) of the Constitution mandates the ECZ to set dates for by-elections within a specified timeframe. The Article states that: “ where a candidate dies, resigns or becomes disqualified in accordance with Article 70, 100 or 153 or a court disqualifies a candidate for corruption or malpractice, after the close of nominations and before the election date, the Electoral Commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible Candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations”. Therefore, ECZ prescribed 21st October 2021 as poll date for the Kaumbwe Constituency Parliamentary seat in Petauke District of Eastern Province, and Council Chairperson seats for Chisamba and Lusangazi Districts in Central and Eastern Provinces respectively. On the same date, the Commission will also conduct four (4) Local Government Ward Elections in Kamifungo Ward in Masaiti District on the Copperbelt Province; Lufubu Ward in Mwansabombwe District in Luapula Province; Kalilele Ward in Mushindamo District in North-Western Province; and Mulamfu Ward in Zimba District in Southern Province.