Voting has commenced in Kasama District for the mayoral by-election, which is being contested by six political parties.
Polling opened at 6:00 hours in 216 out of the 218 polling stations, with voting underway across most areas, except for Kalolesha and Kalundanya polling stations.
The two stations were affected by the suspension of airlifting of polling staff and voting materials due to unfavorable weather conditions.
However, with improved weather conditions observed, airlifting is expected to resume early this morning to the affected polling stations.
The Electoral Commission has indicated that any time lost will be compensated through an extension of voting hours.
A Diamond TV check at Kasama Boys polling station at 05:24 hours, ahead of the opening of polls, found a steady flow of voters, with weather conditions reported to be conducive.
Six political parties are contesting the mayoral by-election, namely the United Party for National Development (UPND), Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Citizens First (CF), Socialist Party (SP), New Focus Party (NFP), and the United Progressive People’s Party of Zambia (UPPZ).
By Kalombe Kapambwe
