PETITION AGAINST IRIS KAINGU’S VICTORY BEGINS TOMORROW
By Mwiya Mukumbuta
The petition challenging the election of Mwandi Independent Member of Parliament Iris Kaingu begins tomorrow, 21st October 2026, before the Mongu High Court.
Kaingu’s victory is being petitioned by United Party for National Development (UPND) losing candidate Sibeso Sefulo, who has filed a petition in the Lusaka High Court.
Sefulo is challenging Kaingu’s election on allegations that the parliamentary election was marred by bribery, corruption and undue influence on voters by her agents, allegedly with her knowledge and consent.
In her petition, Sefulo further alleges that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) failed to adhere to proper electoral procedures during the conduct of the election, including the counting and announcement of results.
Sefulo has since asked the High Court to nullify Kaingu’s election and order a fresh parliamentary election in Mwandi Constituency.
Kaingu, who contested the August 2026 parliamentary election as an Independent candidate, was declared winner after polling 6,595 votes, narrowly defeating Sefulo who received 6,110 votes — a margin of just 485 votes.