Electoral commission sets June 26 date for Lumezi parliamentary by-election, as incumbent Zulu is jailed

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set June 26, 2025, as the date for the Lumezi parliamentary by-election, following the conviction and imprisonment of incumbent independent MP Munir Zulu.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga, nominations for the by-election will take place on May 27, 2025.

The Lumezi by-election will be held alongside two ward by-elections: Fibalala Ward in Milenge District and Tuuwa Ward in Sikongo District.

The Fibalala seat became vacant following the death of Councillor Misheck Chisala, while the Tuuwa seat fell vacant due to the resignation of Councillor Likezo Kaunga.

Zulu was convicted by the Lusaka Magistrate Court on April 7, 2025, and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for defaming Cabinet Ministers Charles Milupi and Situmbeko Musokotwane.

“Aspiring candidates should lodge completed and attested statutory declarations and nomination papers subscribed before a Magistrate, Local Court Magistrate, Commissioner for Oaths, Election Officer or Returning Officer on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours,” Luhanga stated.

She added that male candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of K15,000, while female candidates will pay K13,500.

All aspiring candidates must present certified copies of their Grade 12 certificates or equivalent academic qualifications. Candidates sponsored by political parties must also submit adoption certificates signed by both the Secretary General and President of their party.

Luhanga cautioned that failure to meet these requirements would render a candidate’s nomination papers invalid.

The Commission also advised voters who have lost or damaged their voter cards to replace them at the nearest Continuous Voter Registration Centre. The centres are open from 08:00 to 17:00 hours, Monday to Friday.

“This is not a new voter registration process,” Luhanga emphasized. “It is only for the reissuance of cards to already registered voters,” Luhanga said.

She noted that the Register of Voters to be used in the by-elections was the one certified as of February 25, 2025.

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