The Lusaka High Court has granted five independent candidates leave to commence judicial review proceedings challenging the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to revoke the Candle campaign symbol approved for use in the 2026 General Election.
The applicants, Simon Mwila, Faith Lungu, Michael Chuulu, Gary Nkombo and Iris Kaingu, are contesting ECZ’s June 6 directive requiring them to replace the symbol, arguing that it had already been approved during the nomination process.
In delivering ruling, High Court Judge M.C. Kombe held that the applicants had raised arguable issues warranting further investigation and ordered that the leave granted should operate as a stay, temporarily halting implementation of the decision against them pending determination of the substantive judicial review application.
By Josphat Hamakala
