By 
Independent presidential aspirant, Willah Mudolo, has challenged the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) decision to reject his request for an extension of time to file nomination papers for the 2026 general election.
In an application for leave to commence judicial review proceedings before the Lusaka High Court, Mudolo, through his lawyers, argued that the commission acted unreasonably and unlawfully by refusing to allow him to submit his nomination papers after the nomination period had closed.
According to court documents, Mudolo paid the prescribed K100,000 presidential nomination fee on April 30, 2026, and was allocated May 22, 2026, as the date for filing his nomination papers in accordance with the electoral timetable issued by ECZ.
He stated that he complied with part of the nomination process by presenting and processing the minimum number of supporters required for an independent presidential candidate.
However, Mudolo said he was unable to personally lodge his nomination papers on the scheduled date because he was required to attend court proceedings in South Africa, where he has business interests, and faced the risk of arrest if he failed to appear.
The applicant said his lawyers subsequently wrote to ECZ requesting a short extension to enable him to complete the nomination process. The commission rejected the request, citing the closure of the nomination period.
A further appeal to the ECZ chairperson was also unsuccessful, with the commission maintaining that granting the extension would disrupt the electoral timetable.
Mudolo is seeking a declaration that ECZ’s refusal to extend the filing period was unreasonable, unlawful and contrary to his legitimate expectations.
He is also seeking an order of mandamus compelling the commission, through the Chief Electoral Officer, to receive, process and accept his nomination papers.
In his application, Mudolo argued that ECZ has broad statutory powers to administer and, where necessary, amend the electoral timetable.
He further contends that the commission erred by treating the closure of the nomination period as an absolute bar to the exercise of its discretion and by failing to adequately consider the circumstances that prevented his attendance.
The matter is awaiting determination by the High Court.
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