The Lusaka High Court has dismissed Joseph Malanji’s Kwacha Parliamentary petition on grounds that the returning officer acted within the law not to accept his nomination.
The court has also found that the decision by the returning officer did not affect the outcome of the By-Election.
In this matter, Mr. Malanji was seeking a declaration that Charles Mulenga of the UPND was not duly elected as Member of Parliament because he did not meet the standards required by the electoral law.
The former lawmaker was also challenging the participation of Lawrence Kasonde who had resigned days leading to the election but after rescinding his decision, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) allowed the independent candidate to participate in the election.
Reacting to the outcome Mr. Malanji’s legal team says it will appeal against the judgement.
By Rhodah Mvula
#NewsOnTheGo