The Lusaka High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the nomination of over 100 independent parliamentary candidates in the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
High Court Judge Kelvin Limbani has thrown out the petition filed by Isaac Mwanza and the Consortium of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance and Constitutionalism after finding that the matter was incompetently and improperly before court.
The petitioners had sued former Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya, former Local Government Minister Gary Nkombo, Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa and over 100 independent parliamentary candidates, the Electoral Commission of Zambia – ECZ, the Attorney General, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda and PF Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona.
In his ruling, Judge Limbani has held that the petitioners failed to file mandatory documents, including skeleton arguments and a list of authorities, together with the petition as required by the High Court Election Petition Rules of 2026.
The court has ruled that the omission was fatal and rendered the petition incompetent, leading to its dismissal.
By Josphat Hamakala
