Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO) Mr. Clint Susiku has called on polling staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, and integrity ahead of the Muchinda Ward by-election scheduled for Thursday, 12th February, 2026.
Mr. Susiku, who is Central Province Local Government Officer (PLGO), made the call when he officially opened a training programme for polling staff in Serenje District, stressing the need for election officials to remain non-partisan, transparent, and objective in the execution of their duties to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He reminded the trainees that their conduct before, during, and after polling day would significantly influence public confidence in the electoral process, adding that professionalism and adherence to electoral laws and procedures were non-negotiable.
The PEO further emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and fairness, noting that polling staff would be deployed to their respective stations on Wednesday, 11th February, 2026, ahead of polling day.
The Muchinda Ward seat fell vacant following the death of the sitting Councillor, Mr. Thomas Phiri, who passed away on 3rd January, 2026. In accordance with electoral law, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) subsequently set 12th February, 2026, as the date for the by-election.
Meanwhile, three candidates successfully filed their nominations on 22nd January, 2026, to contest the by-election. They are Mr. Nicholas Munsele of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Mr. Garrison Musonda of the United Progressive Peopleโs Party (UPPZ), and Mr. Ronald Chola representing the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD).