ECZ Closes Case In Lusaka Mayoral Petition
By Memory Bbuku
The Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- has closed its case in the election petition filed by losing Lusaka Mayoral candidate GABRIEL KIBOMBWE.
Mr. KIBOMBWE, of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity -NRPUP, is challenging the election of UPND’s CHITAMBALA MWEWA as Lusaka Mayor.
When the matter came up for continued trial, ECZ, through its lawyer ERIC KAMWI, informed the tribunal that the second respondent will not be calling any witnesses.
Mr. KAMWI said the Commission has decided not to call witnesses because there was insufficient evidence on record from the petitioner to warrant a rebuttal by the respondent.
He argued that Mr. KIBOMBWE, as the petitioner, had the burden of proving his case.
However, the petitioner’s lawyers, JONAS MATENDE and TIMMY MUNALULA, raised concerns that the second respondent’s decision to close its case without producing certain documents will deprive the tribunal of an opportunity to consider them.
The matter has been adjourned to tomorrow, September 23, 2026, for a ruling on the petitioner’s application.
Meanwhile, the Lusaka High Court has set October 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial in a separate election petition filed by losing Kabwata Constituency candidate ANDREW TAYENGWA.
Mr. TAYENGWA, of the UPND, is challenging the election of NRPUP’s DANNY YENGA as Member of Parliament for Kabwata Constituency.
The petition is scheduled to run from October 5 to 15, 2026.