ECZ trains election poll staff in Sioma
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Top StoriesThe Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged poll staff for the Mbeta Ward by-election in Sioma District in Western Province to uphold integrity, impartiality and professionalism as they prepare to conduct Ward by Elections on November 5, 2026. Speaking when he officiated…
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged poll staff for the Mbeta Ward by-election in Sioma District in Western Province to uphold integrity, impartiality and professionalism as they prepare to conduct Ward by Elections on November 5, 2026.
Speaking when he officiated at the training of poll staff in Sioma district, ECZ Commissioner, McDonald Chipenzi expressed gratitude to the officers, most of whom served during the 2026 general election, for their dedication and commitment to duty.
Mr Chipenzi noted that Sioma district did not record any election petition at parliamentary or local level following the recent elections, saying this demonstrated that the team in the district did a good job.
He also commended District Election Trainers for equipping the poll staff with the essential skills, competencies and confidence required to effectively discharge their duties.
Mr Chipenzi said the Commission attaches great importance to every election it conducts, including ward by-elections, regardless of their scale or geographical scope, which necessitated the delegation of a Commission member to provide leadership, oversight and support throughout the Mbeta Ward by-election process.
He disclosed that apart from Mbeta Ward, other local government by-elections will be held on the same day, with pre-poll activities taking place simultaneously in Mukabi and Nkongwe wards in Chipili District, Lwingwishi Ward in Mansa District, Lubaleshi Ward in Kanchibiya District and Nachikufu Ward in Mpika District.
Mr Chipenzi urged the poll staff to participate actively in the training, familiarise themselves with the electoral code of conduct and their terms of reference so that they do not commit electoral offences or fall prey to intimidation.
He reminded them to remain non-partisan and impartial, saying elections are a mammoth task that calls for total dedication and sacrifice to ensure the Commission conducts credible elections.
And Provincial Election Officer, Nixon Nkwapu urged the participants to attend the training with the seriousness it deserves, saying the expectations of electorates and stakeholders are always increasing and that the exercise was not a formality.
Meanwhile, one of the poll staff, Chinyama Mufaya has thanked the Commission for the training saying it would build their capacity to conduct the by-election in a fair and transparent manner.
The Mbeta Ward by-election was necessitated after the Commission postponed the local government election for the ward to call for fresh nominations of one candidate.
The poll will be contested by Situmbeko Yuyi of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and independent candidate, Mwanamwalye Mwanamwalye.
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