Zambian general election, 1983

From Chalo Chatu, Zambia online encyclopedia

General elections were held in Zambia on 27 October 1983. At the time, the country was a one-party state, and as such, the United National Independence Party was the sole contestant in the elections. Its candidate Kenneth Kaunda was re-elected as President with over 90% of the vote, whilst UNIP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly. Voter turnout was around 63% in the parliamentary election,[1] but 65.5% in the presidential election.[2]

Campaign

Prior to the elections, primary elections were held to elect candidates for the 125 constituencies. Only UNIP members could vote in the primaries, and the top three candidates would be able to stand for the National Assembly election.[3] In total, 812 people stood for election to the National Assembly, with 46 rejected by the UNIP central committee.[1]

Results

President

Kaunda was the sole candidate for president, and voters voted yes or no to his candidacy. Some sources reported the results to be 93% for and 7% against.[4]

Choice Votes %
Yes 1,453,029 95.4
No 70,355 4.6
Invalid/blank votes 34,679
Total 1,558,063 100
Registered voters/turnout 2,377,610 65.5
Source: Nohlen et al.

National Assembly

Party Votes % Seats +/–
United National Independence Party 100 125 0
Presidential appointees 10 0
Appointed Speaker 1 0
Invalid/blank votes
Total 1,572,333 100 136 0
Registered voters/turnout 2,377,610 66.1
Source: Nohlen et al., African Elections Database

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 Zambia 1978 Inter-Parliamentary Union
  2. Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) Elections in Africa: A data handbook, p954 ISBN 0-19-829645-2
  3. Zambia: 1973 and 1978 one-party elections EISA
  4. Elections in Zambia African Elections Database