Of the talks I have heard from political parties each time there has been a by-election are about candidates- right or wrong, violence, the laxity and bias of the electoral commission of Zambia towards the ruling party the Patriotic Front and the the like, with nothing heard from them about fixing our constitution to cut off the costs of these elections considering the country has serious fiscal challenges. (Indiscipline on home expenses and excessive borrowing channeled into unproductive projects).

It’s should be noted that as at 2010, the total expense of holding a single parliamentary by-election was K3billion (KR 3million or $300,000) likely that figure has increased to k5million or $500,000. Imagine how much work would be done with that amount if not spent on an election, but alas we are bound and have to hold these elections in events of death, resignations, expulsions or even arrests as was with ex Chilanga Mother Keith Mukata as stipulated by our republican constitution.

While holding these elections is constitutional and mandatory, I maintain the costs to these elections would be zeroed or avoided by making progressive amendments to our constitution in regard to parliamentary and other lower elections as was done with the presidential one. Some amendments could be made so we save the little money we have in the national treasury and channel it to more pressing economical needs; Education, Health, Farming and the like.

As observed also by Kabwata member of parliament Honorable Given Lubinda who is also a serving minister that the current constitution is mess and has lacunas, it is agreed, not only lacunas but the constitution in its current state is inadequate and can’t address country needs as they are – The case of avoiding by-elections to save money.

The following could be done to avoid these elections and save the country millions of kwachas that can help other needy sectors;

1. Apportion all won seats during the general elections to parties and not individual candidates for the entire five year term of office, that way a seat won solely belongs to a party and any candidate holding it holds it under that particular party – that way we would avoid defections which are a number one cause for useless by-elections.

2. Introduce running mates for all elections who are potential take-overs incase of vacancies by any reason; death, resignation, expulsion or imprisonment. That way no money will be spent on any by-election, the country would save a lot and avoid inconveniencing citizens with mid elections during busy and working times.

The concern should not be about unseating each other politically but saving the little financial resources the country has. If any party is keen on winning seats, they better campaign well and win them during general elections and not anticipate or celebrate costly political vacancies.

We can do better and save much more money.

Mbanga, Ilukui Irvine.

Fayetteville, Arkansas.

United States of America.