FODEP URGES AGGRIEVED PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE BEFORE CHALLENGING ELECTION RESULTS
The Foundation for Democratic Process-FODEP- has urged parliamentary candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the 2026 general election to seek proper legal advice and ensure they have sufficient evidence before filing election petitions.
FODEP Vice President Mike Mushanga has cautioned prospective petitioners against taking weak cases to court, saying this could unnecessarily burden the judiciary.
In an interview, Mr. Mushanga says candidates who believe they have legitimate grievances should pursue their legal rights through the courts, which he says must be given an opportunity to determine the nature and extent of alleged electoral irregularities reported at various levels of the elections.
He has also called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ- to review the challenges experienced during the elections and establish their causes, particularly concerns surrounding the preparedness and performance of some presiding officers.
Mr. Mushanga says addressing these challenges will help strengthen future elections, improve the electoral process and restore public confidence in institutions responsible for conducting elections and resolving electoral disputes.
Some losing candidates have already taken legal action, among them Ndola Central constituency parliamentary candidate Frank Tayali, who has filed an election petition in the Ndola High Court alleging irregularities at some polling stations.
Raphael Mulenga
PN