LINDA KASONDE, TWO OTHERS CHALLENGE AUGUST 13 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Former Law Association of Zambia President Linda Kasonde and two others have filed a petition challenging the August 13, 2026 presidential election in which President Hakainde Hichilema was declared winner by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
The other petitioners are governance activist Brebner Changala and LCK Freedom Foundation Limited. The ECZ, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha and President Hichilema have been named as respondents.
The petition cites election observation reports by the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), ECZ records and statements, as well as reports concerning alleged security force deployments, political violence and the suspension of the counting and announcement of election results.
The petitioners have also cited reports concerning the detention and questioning of several political figures by Zambia Army officers, along with civil society statements on alleged links between the Social Cash Transfer Programme and voting, and the killing of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya.
Kasonde says she attempted to electronically file the petition with the Chief Registrar’s Office under Order III of the Constitutional Court Rules, but the official email address reportedly bounced back.
She subsequently sent the petition, affidavit verifying the facts, list of authorities and submissions to Chief Justice Mumba Malila for further action.
The filing comes during the courts’ Michaelmas vacation, which runs until September 6, 2026, with parties generally required to seek permission to commence proceedings during the vacation.