By Darius CHOONYA
The Constitutional court has set June 8, 9, 10 and 11 as dates for hearing of the petition challenging the nomination of running mates of Presidential Candidates contesting the August 12, 2021 general election.
This is after consolidating the two Petitions filed by historian Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa and Lusaka based Lawyer Joseph Kanda.
In this matter, the
petitioners are asking the court to declare null and void the filing of nominations of Presidential running mates saying they have not complied with the provisions of Article 100(1) of the constitution.
They argue that the law requires that the presidential running mates be supported by at least 100 supporters from each province.
The petitioners further say the respondents have also not been allowed to pay the nomination fees as per constitutional requirement.
They are now seeking among other reliefs that the respondent’s nomination papers be removed forthwith.
In this matter, the Petitioners have cited 16 appointed running mates as respondents who include Professor Nkandu Luo for PF, Mutale Nalumango for UPND, Dr. Cosmas Musumali for Socialist Party, Judith Kabemba (Democratic Party), Bright Chomba (Third Liberation Movement), Henry Muleya (Patriots for Economic Progress, Samuel Kasankha (New Heritage Party), Changala Siame (Economic Freedom Fighters), Rosemary Chivumba (Zambia United for Sustainable Development), Kaela Kamweneshe (Leadership Movement), Kasote Singogo (Party of National Unity and Progress), Reuben Sambo (Movement for Multi-Party Democracy), Lucy Changwe (National Restoration Party) Samuel Mbulu ( United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia), John Harawa (United National Independence Party and Gerald Mulao for People’s Alliance For Change)