WITNESSES ALLEGE INTIMIDATION, VOTE BUYING IN NKANA ELECTION PETITION
Witnesses appearing before the Kabwe High Court Judge Charles Zulu sitting in Kitwe have alleged that voters were intimidated and votes were bought during the August 13 General Elections in Nkana Constituency.
The allegations emerged during the hearing of a petition filed by losing UPND Nkana Constituency parliamentary candidate Francis Mukuka, who is challenging the election of NRPUP candidate Alexander Chiteme.
One of the witnesses, Leonard Simwaba, told the court that there were incidents of voter intimidation and alleged vote buying during the electoral process.
Another witness, businesswoman Betty Kangwa, also alleged that voters were intimidated and that there were instances of vote buying in the constituency.
Ms Kangwa told the court that the alleged activities had the potential to influence voters and affect the credibility of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, another witness, Carol Kashala, alleged that voters were intimidated and that the presence of suspected thugs created fear among some voters during the elections.
The witnesses’ testimonies form part of evidence being presented by the petitioner in support of the petition challenging the Nkana Constituency election results.
The case has since been adjourned to tomorrow for continued hearing.
By Manzi Simfukwe