Low turnout characterises Solwezi by-election

Voting in the Solwezi Central Parliamentary by election, which started at 06:00 hours this morning, has been characterized by low voter turnout.

Survey conducted by ZANIS at Chikombe, Kyakwakwa and Community Development polling stations revealed that less than 500 electorates had cast their votes by 08:45 hours.

Assistant Returning Officers at Chikombe, Kyakwakwa and Community Development polling stations confirmed the low turnout but expressed optimism that the turnout would improve as the day progresses.

Assistant Returning Officer at Chikombe polling station Pamela Kajimba ZANIS that there was seeming voter apathy in the area in the morning.

Five political parties are vying for the Solwezi Central seat which came about after the Supreme Court nullified the seat for corrupt activities perpetuated by the Movement for Multiparty Democracy candidate in the 2011 elections Lucky Mulusa.

The contestants are MMD’s Lucky Mulusa, United Party for National Development’s (UPND) Dawson Kafwaya, Patriotic Front ‘s (PF) Newton Malwa, Nathan Mulonga of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and United National Independence Party’s (UNIP) Mary Katiki.

The situation in Solwezi Central is peaceful and voters are seen flocking to the voting centres without intimidations.

Voting is expected to close at exactly 18:00 hours as stipulated by the election regulations.