Nkana election petition court hears intimidation claims

THE Nkana Constituency parliamentary election petition has heard new allegations of intimidation and irregularities during the August 13 general election. Alexander Chiteme of NRPUP was declared winner with 19,344 votes. He returns to Parliament after losing the seat in 2021 to Binwell Mpundu. He defeated UPND’s Francis Mukuka who polled 9,359 votes. Independent candidates Elice

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THE Nkana Constituency parliamentary election petition has heard new allegations of intimidation and irregularities during the August 13 general election.

Alexander Chiteme of NRPUP was declared winner with 19,344 votes. He returns to Parliament after losing the seat in 2021 to Binwell Mpundu.

He defeated UPND’s Francis Mukuka who polled 9,359 votes. Independent candidates Elice Muchindu and David Chewa finished third and fourth with 2,040 and 502 votes respectively.

Mr Mukuka has now challenged the result in the Kitwe High Court.

UPND-accredited monitor Leonard Simwaba, 52, a Kitwe businessman, told Judge Charles Zulu that newly registered voters were allegedly intimidated before, during and after voting.

Mr Simwaba said he monitored Mindolo Primary School, Kitwe Library, Rokana and Miseshi polling stations, where he alleged he witnessed incidents of violence, intimidation and vote buying.

At Mindolo Primary School, he told the court he observed unusual activity during vote counting around 20:00 hours. He claimed some people were standing on windows outside the polling station while several polling agents inside appeared to be asleep as counting continued.

Cross-examination of Mr Mukuka did not proceed after he reportedly complained of feeling unwell.

The matter continues before Judge Zulu.

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