Zambian former ministers challenge election defeats in court

Former Zambian Cabinet ministers Paul Kabuswe and Sylvia Masebo have petitioned the Lusaka High Court to overturn their parliamentary election defeats, alleging widespread electoral malpractice.

Paul Kabuswe, the former Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, is challenging the Chililabombwe seat result. He alleges that his opponent, Nsofwa Kabwe Lupele, engaged in character assassination by labeling him a “copper thief,” a tribalist, and a nepotist. Kabuswe further claims that Lupele and his agents distributed cash between K50 and K100 to voters at polling stations and that his supporters were physically blocked from voting by rocks placed across a road in Chitambi Ward. Kabuswe is seeking to have the election declared null and void and is requesting a fresh poll.

In Chongwe East, former Health Minister Sylvia Masebo is contesting the victory of independent candidate Anita Kamanga. Masebo alleges that her campaign was targeted by defamatory statements and misconduct intended to improperly influence voters, specifically regarding her standing within the UPND adoption process.