By VIOLET MENGO
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says political parties will today have the chance to inspect the ballot papers to be used in five parliamentary by-elections scheduled for September 11.
The ballot papers were scheduled to arrive last night.   They were printed in South Africa.
The by-elections are for Kasenengwa, Mkushi South, Vubwi, Solwezi Central and Zambezi constituencies.
Public relations manager Chris Akufuna said in Lusaka yesterday that the ECZ has prepared adequately for the five by-elections.
“As ECZ we have done our part according to plan.  We are hoping that the participating political parties are equally very ready for the elections,” Mr Akufuna said.
He said the political parties have been notified and the ECZ hopes they will be available for the inspection of the ballot papers at the ECZ offices in Lusaka.
Political parties with candidates contesting the by-elections are the Patriotic Front (PF), United Party for National Development (UPND), Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Green Party and National Revolution Party (NAREP).
In contention for the Kasenengwa seat are Victoria Kalima of the MMD, Gideon Zulu (PF), Timothy Nyirenda (UPND) and Kobisa Daka (FDD).
The race for the Mkushi South seat will be MMD’s Sydney Chisanga, UPND’s Agness Ng’andu and Davies Chisopa of the PF.
In Vubwi the candidates are Eustackio Kazonga (MMD), Margaret Miti (PF), Lucas Phiri (UNIP), Charles Nyoka (FDD) and Alfonso Phiri (UPND).
Zambezi West contenders are Charles Kakoma (UPND), Chrsitabel Ng’imbu (PF), Kayombo Chila (Green Party), Chris Kachika (MMD) and Mark Kachongo (FDD).
In Solwezi Central, Lucky Mulusa of the MMD will be up against Newton Malwa (PF) and UPND’s Dawson Kafwaya.