Independent candidate Iris Kaingu is facing a High Court petition challenging her election as Member of Parliament for Mwandi Constituency.
The petition has been filed by losing United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Sibeso Sefulo, who is seeking to have Kaingu’s election nullified over allegations of bribery, corruption and undue influence of voters.
Sefulo alleges that Kaingu’s election agents engaged in the alleged electoral malpractice with Kaingu’s “full knowledge, consent and approval.”
In the petition, Sefulo has also raised concerns about the conduct of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), alleging that the electoral body failed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act during the election.
She claims that presiding officers at polling stations did not properly supervise the counting and announcement of results in accordance with prescribed procedures.
Sefulo has further alleged that the conduct of elections at most polling stations compromised the principles of secrecy of the ballot and voters’ right to freely cast their votes.
She specifically alleges that some presiding officers cast votes on behalf of elderly voters and, in some instances, did so contrary to the voters’ wishes.
On the basis of the allegations, Sefulo has asked the High Court to nullify Kaingu’s election and order that a fresh election be held in Mwandi Constituency.
Picture: Iris (left) and Sefulo (right)