Anita Kamanga and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) have asked the Lusaka High Court to dismiss former Lands Minister Sylvia Masebo’s petition challenging the Chongwe East parliamentary election.
Ms. Masebo is challenging Ms. Kamanga’s election, alleging violence, intimidation, threats, harassment, bribery and other breaches of the Electoral Process Act and its Code of Conduct.
Ms. Kamanga won the election with 16,058 votes against Ms. Masebo’s 6,798, giving her a majority of 9,260 votes.
In her response filed in court, Ms. Kamanga has denied the allegations, saying neither she nor her election or polling agents committed, authorised or permitted any acts of violence, intimidation or harassment.
She has also rejected allegations of bribery and vote buying as vague, fabricated and untrue.
Ms. Kamanga says her support for vulnerable people predates the election campaign and was provided regardless of political affiliation.
She has also denied publishing or endorsing false and defamatory statements against Ms. Masebo.
The ECZ has similarly denied the allegations and says some of the matters raised are within Ms. Masebo’s own knowledge and should be strictly proved.
Both Ms. Kamanga and the ECZ have asked the High Court to dismiss the petition with costs.
By Josphat Hamakala
