We’re going to court, NRPUP vows constitutional court challenge as post-election tensions mount

14 Views The National Revolution for Progress and Unity Party says it is preparing to petition the August 13 election results in the Constitutional Court, as anxiety grows among Alliance supporters. In a video address circulated Monday, NRPUP official Munir Zulu admitted there is “a lot of anxiety and panic” within the alliance ranks over […]

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The National Revolution for Progress and Unity Party says it is preparing to petition the August 13 election results in the Constitutional Court, as anxiety grows among Alliance supporters.

In a video address circulated Monday, NRPUP official Munir Zulu admitted there is “a lot of anxiety and panic” within the alliance ranks over communication from the leadership.

“There is some vacuum in communication, and there is a lot of anxiety and panic among our supporters, and so we are doing everything possible. We are petitioning the results, we are going to court,” Zulu said.

He brushed aside claims that a court challenge would be meaningless.
“Some people are saying going to court will not achieve anything. But at least everyone will know the truth,” he said.

Zulu appealed directly to supporters to stay calm and avoid confrontation.
“So what I want to ask our supporters is to be peaceful and orderly. Let’s not do anything that will put us in harm’s way with the law… The whole idea is for the world to see and know the truth,” he said.

The NRPUP official framed the planned legal action as a fight for democratic rights, not just seats.

“We are fighting for the very liberties of the Zambian people. And the violence that has erupted in certain areas is very much condemned. All we want is everyone to be free. And we shall not get power using any other means other than the ballot,” he said.

He closed with a promise that the alliance leadership was working behind the scenes.
“So please, let’s be calm. And the leadership is not sleeping. It is working round the clock so that the right thing is done,” Zulu said.

The announcement sets the stage for a potential Constitutional Court battle that could further test Zambia’s post-election stability.

Earlier on Economic Freedom Fighters President Kasonde Mwenda a member of the alliance alleged that the will of Zambians was not reflected in the announced results of the August 13 election, saying “our vote was stolen” and that Alliance members faced intimidation and harassment.

In a statement addressed to Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance President Brian Mundubile and the entire Alliance Executive, Mwenda expressed gratitude for being entrusted to serve on the Dubai Ballot Printing Observatory Mission and on the National Election Results Centre Observatory Delegation at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

“My Fellow Citizens,
We have witnessed one of the most rigorous and consequential elections in our nation’s history. Regardless of our political affiliations, Zambia must remain a united, multiparty, indivisible and unitary democratic state that upholds constitutional order, the rule of law and democratic values,” Mukandila stated.

“I must hasten to emphasise that our nation requires healing now more than ever. My experience during this campaign trail has taught me that there is an urgent need for us to reflect on how we conduct our politics and how we relate to one another as citizens,” he said.

Mukandila accused political players of abandoning issue-based debate for “slander, malice, personal attacks and intimidation,” and demanded a clean-up of political discourse.

“We must, therefore, sanitise the way politics is conducted in our country. I have always advocated for a political culture founded on the competition of ideas, policies and visions for our nation, not one characterised by slander, malice, personal attacks and intimidation,” he stated.

The Alliance SG also put the new government on notice, reminding it that authority comes from citizens and must be checked.

“To the Government and those entrusted with the responsibility of governing our nation, I wish to remind you that political power is vested in you by the people. That mandate must always be exercised within the confines of our Constitution and in the best interests of the Zambian people,” Mukandila said.
“There is a pressing need to strengthen the rule of law, constitutionalism, accountability and good governance. Our institutions must remain strong, independent and capable of protecting the rights and freedoms of every citizen.”

He mourned victims of political violence and called for calm among Tonse supporters as the party awaits “further guidance and the appropriate constitutional processes” following the defeat of its presidential candidate Brian Mundubile.

“We also remember with deep sorrow the families of those who have lost their loved ones as a result of political violence. May the Almighty God comfort and strengthen them,” he said.

“I further call for calm, peace and restraint among all citizens and supporters of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, its presidential candidate, President Brian Mundubile, and his running mate, Hon. Makebi Zulu.”

In a direct message to State House, Mukandila told President Hichilema that unity must come first.

“To President Hakainde S. Hichilema, my advice is that this nation requires healing. We must heal from the wounds of the past as well as those created in the present. Our collective responsibility to Zambia must be discharged with patriotism, humility, tolerance and love for one another,” he declared.

“Let us choose dialogue over confrontation, ideas over insults, tolerance over intolerance, and unity over division. May God bless our great Republic of Zambia. One Zambia, One Nation.”