ZCLU DISMISSES CLAIMS UPND PETITIONERS WILL AUTOMATICALLY SECURE VICTORY THROUGH COURTS
By Josphat Mbewe
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union – ZCLU – has dismissed speculation that losing UPND parliamentary candidates petitioning the results in certain constituencies could automatically secure victories through the courts.
Several losing UPND parliamentary candidates have petitioned the August 13, 2026 general election results, challenging the outcomes in their respective constituencies.
However, ZCLU Executive Director Isaac Mwanza has told Phoenix News that the electorate had already made its decision through the ballot, although the possibility of a different outcome in a subsequent by-election cannot be ruled out.
Mr. Mwanza has cautioned against pre-empting the outcome of the petitions, saying the courts should be given an opportunity to independently examine the evidence presented before them before making a determination.
He has further urged all candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the 2026 general election to use the courts to challenge the results, saying the right to petition is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance has described the election petitions filed by losing UPND candidates as frivolous, accusing the petitioners of attempting to undermine the will of the people.
Alliance Deputy Spokesperson Anthony Chibuye says the Alliance’s concern is not with the Electoral Commission of Zambia – ECZ – or the ruling UPND, but with what he describes as the misuse of the electoral petition process
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Chibuye says the Alliance believes there is a calculated attempt to overturn victories it claims to have won fairly, particularly in areas where it secured the majority of seats.
PHOENIX NEWS