Zambian general election, 1973

General elections were held in Zambia on 5 December 1973. They were the first elections held since the country was formally declared a one-party state in 1972, with the United National Independence Party (UNIP) as the only legally permitted party. As a result, UNIP was the only party to contest the elections; its leader Kenneth Kaunda was automatically elected to a third five-year term as President, and was confirmed in office via a referendum in which 88.8% of voters approved his candidacy. UNIP also 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 %
Yes581,24588.8
No73,11511.2
Invalid/blank votes34,326
Total688,686100
Registered voters/turnout1,746,10739.4
Source: Nohlen et al.

National Assembly

Party Votes % Seats +/−
United National Independence Party527,252100125+44
Presidential appointees10+5
Appointed Speaker1New
Invalid/blank votes56,355
Total583,607100136+11
Registered voters/turnout1,746,10733.4
Source: African Elections Database

References

  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. 1 2 Zambia: 1973 and 1978 one-party elections EISA
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