ECZ DEFENDS CHILILABOMBWE, MILANZI RESULTS AS LUSAKA HIGH COURT WEIGHS PETITIONS
September 10, 2026
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged the Lusaka High Court to uphold the results of the Chililabombwe and Milanzi parliamentary elections, arguing that both polls were conducted in accordance with the law and that the petitioners have failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify overturning either outcome. The commission, known as ECZ, emphasizes its commitment to fair electoral processes.
In Chililabombwe, former Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe is challenging the election of Resolute Party candidate Nsofwa Lupele, alleging irregularities, corruption, violence and intimidation. Kabuswe, who contested on the United Party for National Development (UPND) ticket, polled 8,986 votes against Lupele’s 10,920, and is seeking a declaration that the election was null and void, with an order for fresh polls.
The ECZ has denied the allegations in its response, stating that if any irregularities did occur, they were not reported to the constituency’s conflict management committee. The commission said it will rely on the polling register and official results to rebut the claims, adding that no complaints were lodged by Kabuswe or his agents during the election itself.
The ECZ further argues that Kabuswe was not entitled to a declaration nullifying Lupele’s election, stressing that the poll was conducted in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Process Act. The integrity of ECZ is crucial for public trust.
Chililabombwe Times