Former ministers Kabuswe, Masebo challenge election defeats in court

Former Cabinet ministers, Paul Kabuswe, and Sylvia Masebo, have petitioned the Lusaka High Court seeking to overturn their parliamentary election defeats, alleging that their opponents used character assassination, vote buying, intimidation and other electoral malpractice to influence voters.

Kabuswe, a former Minister of Mines and Minerals Development who lost the Chililabombwe seat to Resolute Party candidate, Nsofwa Kabwe Lupele, alleged that the campaign against him went beyond seeking votes and became a sustained attack on his character.

Kabuswe polled 8,986 votes against Lupele’s 10,920, while 673 of the 24,058 votes cast were rejected.

According to his petition, Lupele used public rallies attended by thousands of residents and voters to portray him as dishonest and unfit to hold public office.

Kabuswe alleged that Lupele told gatherings that he was “a thief” who had stolen copper and was therefore “a copper thief”.

He further alleged that Lupele accused him of employing only his relatives while serving in government, portraying him as a tribalist and nepotist.

Kabuswe says the remarks were recorded and widely circulated, damaging his standing among voters and influencing the election outcome.

He also alleged that Lupele and his agents gave some voters between K50 and K100 at polling stations on election day.

Kabuswe claimed voters travelling in his Nissan Hardbody were prevented from reaching a polling station at Fikolongo in Chitambi Ward after large rocks were placed across the road.

He is asking the court to nullify the election and order a fresh poll.

Masebo challenges Chongwe East result

In Chongwe East, former Health Minister Masebo is challenging independent candidate Anita Kamanga’s victory, alleging that her opponent’s campaign also targeted her character.

Masebo polled 6,798 votes against Kamanga’s 16,058.

Masebo alleged that Kamanga and her supporters circulated publications claiming she had lost the UPND adoption process and was only adopted because of her position in the party.

She further alleged that she was publicly branded “a thief” and described as unfit to lead Chongwe East.

Masebo said the alleged statements were intended to prejudice her candidature and improperly influence voters, resulting in proceedings before the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s Conflict Management Committee.

She is seeking an order declaring the election null and void and directing that a fresh election be held.

Chanda challenges Kanchibiya result

Meanwhile, former Kanchibiya MP, Sunday Chanda,, who switched from the Patriotic Front to contest the seat on the UPND ticket, has also petitioned the court challenging the election of Sampa Muswema.

Chanda described the alleged malpractice in Kanchibiya as “shockingly widespread”, citing violence against people and property, intimidation, corruption, procedural breaches and other misconduct.

He alleged widespread non-compliance with the Electoral Process Act, which he says affected the outcome of the election.

Chanda is asking the court to nullify the election and order a fresh poll within 90 days.

Other petitions included UPND candidate Tylad Lungu’s challenge against independent candidate Lumankio Zulu in Milanzi, and Remember Mutale’s challenge against Nelson Kabanda in Chitambo.

The allegations contained in the petitions have yet to be tested by the court.

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