ECZ Begins Kasenengwa Vote Recount
By Christopher Miti
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has commenced a recount of votes for the top two parliamentary candidates in Kasenengwa Constituency following an order by the Chipata High Court.
The recount follows an election petition filed by losing UPND candidate LEVISON ZIWA, who is challenging the election of NRPUP’s PHILIMON TWASA.
The exercise began yesterday at Kasenengwa Town Council under the supervision of the High Court Registrar and tight police security.
In his petition, Mr ZIWA is seeking a recount of the declared results and a declaration that he was duly elected.
He argues that discrepancies arose during the sorting, counting and announcement of results.
Mr ZIWA contends that Gen 20 forms obtained from his polling agents show material differences from figures recorded in the official proceedings at several polling stations.
In her ruling, High Court Judge ELITA PHIRI MWIKISA said the petitioner had presented sufficient documentary evidence to justify a recount.
According to results declared by the ECZ, PHILIMON TWASA polled 14,582 votes, while LEVISON ZIWA received 13,339 votes.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia is the second respondent in the petition, whose hearing is continuing before the Chipata High Court.