November 25 Is Judgement Day for Kasenengwa Election Petition

By Christopher Miti The Chipata High Court has set November 25, 2026, as the date for judgment in the Kasenengwa Constituency election petition. Judge ELITA PHIRI MWIKISA set the date after concluding the hearing of the petition yesterday. Losing UPND candidate LEVISON ZIWA has petitioned the election of National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity candidate PHILIMON TWASA, who was declared the winner of the polls. Mr. ZIWA, petitioned Mr. TWASA and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as the first and second respondents, respectively, and is seeking a recount of the votes and a declaration that he was duly elected. According to ECZ results, Mr. TWASA was declared the winner after polling 14,582 votes, while Mr. ZIWA came second with 13,339 votes. However, following a recount ordered by the Court, Mr. ZIWA polled 14,693 votes, while Mr. TWASA obtained 12,907 votes. Returning Officer JOHN DAKA, who was the only witness for the second respondent, admitted during cross-examination by the petitioner’s lawyer, OBADIAH MUNSANJE, that irregularities were noted during the recount. Mr. DAKA, however, could not shed more light on the irregularities at polling-station level because he was only in charge of the totaling center. During cross-examination by the first respondent’s lawyer, KELVIN SIANGA, Mr. DAKA said the elections were transparent and were observed by the media and civil society organizations. During re-examination by ECZ lawyer YORAM DAKA, the witness said the electoral materials were properly kept up to the time of the recount.