Zambian Parliamentary Elections Rocked by Petitions, Courts Face 90-Day Deadline
Numerous losing parliamentary candidates have petitioned courts, challenging the outcomes of the August 13 election across various constituencies in Zambia. Allegations range from violence, vote buying, and intimidation to concerns over transparency and access to electoral forms, prompting calls for nullification and fresh elections.
Following the August 13 parliamentary election, several losing candidates have filed petitions challenging the outcomes, citing a range of alleged irregularities and malpractices across various constituencies in Zambia.
Among the petitioners, Ms. Lumpa has raised significant concerns regarding the overall electoral process, alleging that it was not conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency, impartiality, and credibility as stipulated under the Electoral Process Act. She specifically claims that her agents were denied the opportunity to monitor the counting and totaling of votes after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) suspended the process on August 14, 2026. Furthermore, Ms. Lumpa states that her agents were denied access to Gen 20a forms in 56 of the 114 polling districts, and that results were not announced at most polling stations, undermining the integrity of the vote tallying.
In Mwenzo Constituency, located in Muchinga Province, Musingwa Siame has formally challenged the election of Luka Simumba. Mr. Siame's petition details allegations of widespread violence, vote buying, intimidation, and various other electoral malpractices that he claims occurred throughout both the campaign and polling periods.
Another challenge from Muchinga Province comes from Isoka Constituency, where Marjorie Nakaponda has contested the election of Malozo Sichone. Mr. Sichone was declared the winner with 7,020 votes, while Ms. Nakaponda secured 5,110 votes. The details of Ms. Nakaponda's specific allegations were not explicitly provided beyond the fact of her challenge.
Moving to Luapula Province, in Mambilima Constituency, Nasir Kashiba has challenged the election of Jean Chisenga, who polled 8,159 votes against Mr. Kashiba’s 4,142 votes. Mr. Kashiba’s petition alleges that Ms. Chisenga and her supporters engaged in acts of violence, threats, and intimidation targeting both voters and electoral officials. He specifically cites an incident on August 12, where masked men reportedly stormed Mwense Town Council, the location where the district electoral officer was stationed. Consequently, Mr. Kashiba is seeking the nullification of the election result, a declaration that Ms. Chisenga’s election is void, and an order for a fresh election to be held.
These numerous petitions underscore a broader pattern of discontent and legal challenges from parliamentary candidates who lost in the recent August 13 elections, reflecting persistent concerns about the fairness and adherence to electoral regulations. (PHOENIX NEWS)