Katuba by-election ballots in

Ballot papers for the February 25 Katuba parliamentary by-election have been freighted in from London with political parties saying they are happy that the delivery is on time.
Representatives from the Patriotic Front (PF), MMD, United National Independence Party (UNIP), Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ), Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) received the ballot papers at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday.
PF representative John Phiri said political parties have agreed that verification of the papers will be conducted today at ECZ offices in Lusaka.
“I can confidently say that the ballot papers have arrived in Lusaka on time for the first time and as political parties, we have agreed that we do the verification tomorrow (today),” Mr Phiri said.
He said political parties have decided to conduct the verification today because they did not have time to complete the programme yesterday.
MMD representative Charles Kaile said the party is happy the ECZ has managed to bring the ballot papers way ahead of time.
Mr Kaile said MMD is ready for the elections and will retain the parliamentary seat which fell vacant following the death of its Member of Parliament (MP) Patrick Chikusu, who was also Deputy Minister of Health.
UNIP representative Henry Silumesii is happy that the ballots are in.
“We are happy to have the papers on time although they have been brought to Zambia from London at a cost,” Mr Silumesii said.
ADD representative Kufekisa Nyambe said he is also happy that the papers have arrived in Zambia as scheduled.
ABZ representative Philemon Mwape said although it is the first time his party is taking part in an election, he is happy that the ballot papers have been delivered safely and verification will be done today.
A United Party for National Development representative refused to talk to journalists.

Daily Mail