Linda Kasonde, Changala and LCK Freedom Foundation petition Hichilema’s election
Kasonde, Changala and LCK Freedom Foundation petition Hichilema’s election
Former Law Association of Zambia president Linda Kasonde and two other petitioners have challenged the outcome of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 presidential election, asking the courts to examine the circumstances surrounding the poll in which President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Lusaka, 25 August – The petition has been filed by Ms Kasonde, governance activist Brebner Changala and LCK Freedom Foundation Limited. The respondents named in the case are the ECZ, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha and President Hichilema.
The petitioners are relying on a range of election-monitoring records and other public documents to support their challenge, including reports produced by the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG).
Among the documents cited are CCMG’s long-term pre-election observation reports, its report on continuous voter registration, statements concerning the 2025 mobile voter registration exercise and observations on violence recorded during candidate nominations.
The petitioners have also referred to CCMG’s Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), which they say forms part of the evidence they are placing before the court.
In an affidavit verifying the facts of the petition, the petitioners say they believe allegations concerning the deployment of the Zambia Defence Force to polling stations, totalling centres and the National Results Centre at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre are true.
They have further cited reports concerning the detention and questioning of former presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, George Chisanga, Trevor Mwamba and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya by officers of the Zambia Army.
The petition also refers to an ECZ statement issued on August 14, 2026, concerning the suspension of the counting and announcement of election results.
Other evidence cited includes a joint statement issued by civil society organisations on July 31, 2026, concerning SMS messages allegedly linking the Social Cash Transfer Programme to voting for President Hichilema.
The petitioners have also referred to a joint civil society statement dated August 20, 2026, concerning the killing of former minister and opposition leader Mutotwe Kafwaya.
A series of ECZ public records and press releases have also been cited, including notices relating to the suspension of campaigns in Mazabuka Central Constituency and statements in which the electoral body condemned violence in Kabwe and Chawama constituencies.
The petition comes at a time when Zambia’s courts are observing the Michaelmas vacation, which is due to end on September 6, 2026.
During the court vacation, parties seeking to commence proceedings are generally required to obtain permission from the court.
-Nkanionline 2026