ECZ DENIES KWACHA CONSTITUENCY ELECTION IRREGULARITIES
…says Dr. Brian Chirambo was duly elected
KITWE… Monday September 21, 2026
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has denied allegations of electoral irregularities in the Kwacha Constituency parliamentary election, saying the August 13, 2026 poll was conducted in accordance with electoral laws.
The ECZ is the second respondent in an election petition filed by UPND’s Crispin Chomba in the High Court for Zambia at the Kitwe District Registry against the declared winner, NRPUP’s Dr. Brian Chirambo.
Dr. Chirambo polled 15,587 votes, while Chomba came second with 9,398 votes.
In its answer to the petition, the commission admits that Dr Chirambo was declared and returned as duly elected Member of Parliament for Kwacha Constituency following the poll.
However, the ECZ denies several allegations contained in the petition and has put Mr Chomba to strict proof of his claims.
The commission said it had no record of any complaint, report or incident of bribery or unlawful campaigning allegedly occurring at Mutende Polling Station or St Mathews Catholic Church Polling Centre on polling day.
The Commission also denied allegations concerning Mutuchoni Bridge in Chantente Ward, stating that the polling station was duly established and gazetted and that adequate notice had been given to candidates, their agents, voters and other stakeholders.
On claims concerning the presence of polling stations at the same location, the ECZ said there were three polling stations at the site, but that only two – Across Tent 1 and Across Tent 2 – belonged to Kwacha Constituency.
The Electoral Body said the third station, Mutuchani Polling Station, belonged to Mululita Central, although it was physically located in Kitwe District.
The commission further denied an allegation concerning the opening and closing times of Mutuchani Polling Station.
According to the ECZ, the station opened at 07:15 hours and closed at 19:15 hours. It said the late opening, which was one hour and 15 minutes after the scheduled time, was compensated for by keeping the polling station open beyond the normal closing time.
The commission also disputed claims concerning electricity and the conduct of polling.
It submitted before the Court that polling stations connected to ZESCO remained powered throughout the exercise, while locations without electricity were supplied with solar lamps.
The ECZ further said agents representing all participating candidates were treated equally and that the counting, custody and movement of election materials remained under the control and supervision of its officials in accordance with electoral laws.
On the custody and transportation of election materials, the commission said ballot papers and other materials, including those used at Mufende Polling Station, were securely moved, sealed and transported in accordance with electoral requirements.
It said election materials and polling staff were collected from the Civic Centre using ECZ vehicles, accompanied by the presiding officer and a police officer, before being transported to the respective polling stations.
The commission said it had no knowledge of several other allegations raised by Mr Chomba, arguing that the alleged conduct either did not occur at polling stations or was outside its administration.
It also maintained that it was not responsible for campaign statements made by candidates or their supporters.
The ECZ has denied that Mr Chomba is entitled to the reliefs sought in his petition and maintains that Dr Chirambo was duly elected Member of Parliament for Kwacha Constituency.
The matter is before the High Court for determination.