KALABO SOUTH ELECTION PETITION WITHDRAWN
…..in bid to restore family unity
Mongu… Friday October 16, 2026
The parliamentary election petition challenging the August 2026 election for Kalabo South Constituency has been withdrawn by consent of the parties, with both sides citing the need to ease family tensions and restore unity.
A consent order filed in the High Court for Zambia records an agreement between petitioner Kalowa Mooto and respondent Chiinga Miyutu to withdraw the petition, with each party bearing their own legal costs.
The document states that the parties are related, with Mr. Miyutu being Mr. Mooto’s uncle, and that concerns had been raised by family elders over escalating differences linked to the election petition.
According to the consent order, the parties agreed that withdrawing the case was in the interests of both sides and justice, as it would help de-escalate their differences and restore family unity.
Mr. Mooto commenced the petition on August 27, 2026, challenging the parliamentary election for Kalabo South Constituency held earlier that month.
The case was before the High Court under cause number 2026/HP/EP/005.
The withdrawal followed a preliminary issue raised by the respondent, which was heard on September 30, 2026.
At the time the consent order was prepared, the court’s ruling on the preliminary issue was scheduled for October 19, 2026.
The petitioner had also filed two interlocutory applications whose hearing and determination depended on the outcome of that pending ruling.
Under the consent order, the petition is formally withdrawn and each party is responsible for their own costs.
Speaking shortly after the consent order was entered, Dr Roy Chafwakale of Hatimbula Legal Practitioners, counsel for the Respondent, said the true will of the parties has ultimately prevailed.
Dr Chafwakale expressed profound gratitude that the legal battle has come to an end, noting that the resolution would allow Kalabo South Constituency to continue benefiting from the undivided attention and leadership of its elected representative, free from the distractions of prolonged litigation.
He also commended the Petitioner, Mr Mooto, for making the bold decision to resolve the matter.
He further praised his counterpart, Isaac Kumwenda of TS Chilembo, who represented the Petitioner, for his dedication and cooperation in reaching an amicable settlement in the broader interests of the constituency’s residents.
Accompanied by his legal colleague, Oswald Hatimbula, Dr Chafwakale said the outcome carried a broader message for democratic processes, stressing that political contests and elections should not permanently divide communities but should instead be followed by efforts to find common ground and resolve disputes amicably.
