Solwezi, June 10, 2025, ZANIS — Two candidates have successfully filed their nominations as councilors for the Kimasala Ward by-election in Solwezi Central Constituency of Solwezi District.
The two are Webster Kyabala of the Citizen’s First Party and Philip Tapula of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The Socialist and Leadership Movement Parties have failed to file in despite having expressed their interest to participate in the forthcoming by-election.
Socialist Party North-western Province Youth Chairman, Stephen Likuwa, says the party was unable to file in the nominations because its adopted candidate, Francis Fungameli’s whereabouts were unknown.
“As Socialist Party, we are unable to file our nominations because our candidate has gone missing and his phones are going unanswered. We were together until about 22:00 hours last night when he asked for permission to go home and until now, we cannot trace him,” Mr Likuwa said.
ZANIS reports that Speaking after filing in nominations, Citizen’s First candidate, Webster Kyabala, said he is the best person for the ward as he understands the challenges that the people of Kimasala are facing.
UPND’s Philip Tapula said the party is already implementing various programmes to change the lives of the people and pledged to build on the foundation that has already been laid.
Electoral Commission of Zambia, Commissioner, Vincent Mukanda, expressed happiness with the incident free nominations, adding that the Commission wants to see a violent free campaign period.
“Nominations are a fundamental part of the electoral process and we are happy that we have had an incident free nomination. It is our desire as the Commission to see a violent free campaign period leading up to the polls next month,” Major General Mukanda said.
And, North-western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu, and Solwezi Central Constituency Member of Parliament, Stafford Mulusa, have both called on the parties contesting the Kimasala Ward seat to be peaceful in their campaigns.
The two have emphasised that difference in political ideologies should not cause confrontations and blood shed but that all parties should exhibit unity and love.
Kimasala Ward, whose by – election is slated for 10th July, 2025, has 16,111 registered voters and 19 polling stations.
