Zambian general election, 1973

From Chalo Chatu, Zambia online encyclopedia

196819731978

General elections were held in Zambia on 5 December 1973. These followed the 1972 decision to make the country a one-party state, and as a result, the United National Independence Party was the sole contestant in the elections. Its candidate Kenneth Kaunda was re-elected as President with 88.8% of the vote, whilst UNIP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly. Voter turnout was 39% of the 1,746,107 registered voters for the presidential election,[1] and 33% for the National Assembly election.[2]

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, 532 people stood for election to the National Assembly.[3]

Results

President

Kaunda was the sole candidate for president, and voters voted yes or no to his candidacy.

Choice Votes %
Yes 581,245 88.8
No 73,115 11.2
Invalid/blank votes 34,326
Total 688,686 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,746,107 39.4
Source: Nohlen et al.

National Assembly

Party Votes % Seats +/−
United National Independence Party 527,252 100 125 +44
Presidential appointees 10 +5
Appointed Speaker 1 New
Invalid/blank votes 56,355
Total 583,607 100 136 +11
Registered voters/turnout 1,746,107 33.4
Source: African Elections Database

References

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  1. Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) Elections in Africa: A data handbook, p953 ISBN 0-19-829645-2
  2. Elections in Zambia African Elections Database
  3. 3.0 3.1 Zambia: 1973 and 1978 one-party elections EISA