2021 nomination fees up by 150%?

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has adjusted nomination fees for all candidates in the 2021 general elections and advised those vying for the presidency to start preparing their documents. ECZ chairperson, Justice Esau Chulu said details of the changes would be given in due course. He was speaking during the ECZ Political parties Liaison Committee meeting in Lusaka yesterday. According to political parties who attended the meeting, ECZ has pegged nomination fee for male presidential candidates at K150, 000 while female or disabled presidential candidates would have to pay K120, 000 from K60, 000. The reports state that male Members of Parliament’s nomination fee have increased to K25, 000 and female or disabled MPs to K20, 000 from K7, 500. Male mayoral candidates would have to pay a nomination fee of K25, 000 while female and disabled candidates pay K20, 000 from K7, 500. Male candidates for councilor positions would be required to pay a nomination fee of K2, 500 from K750 while females and the disabled pay K2, 000 and that all fees must be paid 4 weeks before the nomination date. And Justice Chulu said preparations for the 2021 Elections would be done ahead of the voting date which was August 12, 2021. Justice Chulu said the Commission was mindful of the election date which was enshrined in the constitution and cannot be changed. He said those, who wished to contest the 2021 elections should start preparations now by putting the necessary documents together. Justice Chulu said this would allow them to file in their nominations.