A Superior Court Judge today ordered Atlantic City Councilman Muhammed “Anjum” Zia to be immediately removed from his 5th ward seat after finding that he did not meet the residency requirement at the time of his election last year.
Michael Blee, the assignment judge, found that the home Zia claimed he was living had no certificate of occupancy, permanent or temporary, and that his wife and two children were living in Egg Harbor Township.
The challenge was filed by Maria Lacca, a Republican who lost to Zia by 46 votes in the 2023 general election.
Blee determined that Lacca’s attorney, Matthew Moensch, proved by a preponderance of evidence that Zia “was not domiciled” in Atlantic City twelve months before the November 2023 election – or after. He revoked Zia’s certificate of election.
Blee ordered Atlantic City to hold a special election for the seat no less than 45 days or no more than 50 days from today – October 13 to October 18. The Democratic and Republican county committee can select their candidates, and independent candidates have until September 12 to file nominating petitions.
“Muhammad Zia is ineligible to run in the special election as he has not established residency to qualify to stand as a candidate,” Blee said.
The judge also ordered the council to keep the seat vacant until the special election results are certified. That means no interim appointment.