Zambian Power Play: Sylvia Masebo and Paul Kabuswe Challenge Election Results in High Court!

A significant number of election petitions are emerging across Zambia, with more than 20 cases expected to be filed in courts, challenging the outcomes of recent parliamentary elections. These petitions cite a range of alleged electoral irregularities, corrupt practices, violence, undue influence, and character assassination tactics employed during the campaigning period and on election day.

Among the prominent petitioners is former Chililabombwe Member of Parliament, Paul Kabuswe, who has petitioned the Lusaka High Court to nullify the Chililabombwe parliamentary election. Kabuswe, who ran on the UPND ticket, lost to Nsofwa Lupele, who secured 10,920 votes against Kabuswe’s 8,986. Kabuswe's petition alleges that Lupele and his agents engaged in corrupt practices by distributing cash, ranging from K50 to K100, to voters at the Ishuko tavern polling station on election day. Furthermore, he claims a campaign of character assassination was waged against him, involving accusations of theft, tribalism, and nepotism. The petition also highlights alleged irregularities in the results recorded by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and claims that his supporters were prevented from voting after rocks were strategically placed across a road at Fikolongo in Chitambi ward, obstructing his vehicle carrying voters to a polling station. Kabuswe is seeking a declaration from the High Court that the election was not conducted in accordance with the constitution and the electoral process act, arguing that these alleged malpractices, violence, intimidation, and undue influence significantly affected the election's outcome. He further requests an order to declare Lupele’s election null and void and direct the ECZ to conduct a fresh parliamentary election in Chililabombwe constituency.

Similarly, former Lands Minister Sylvia Masebo has filed a petition challenging the Chongwe East parliamentary election. Masebo, who garnered 6,798 votes against Anita Kamanga’s 16,058 votes, alleges that Kamanga and her campaign team circulated false and defamatory statements. Specifically, she claims that false publications were disseminated, asserting that she had lost the UPND adoption process and was only adopted due to her position within the party, constituting misconduct and an improper attempt to influence voters.

Adding to the growing list, losing Kanchibiya Member of Parliament, Sunday Chanda, has also petitioned the election results for his constituency. Chanda’s petition alleges widespread illegal practices and violence against individuals, and he is seeking to have the election nullified.

These cases represent a broader trend, as court records indicate that over 20 such election petitions are anticipated to be filed across the country, underscoring concerns about the integrity and fairness of the recent electoral processes.