High Court judge to deliver judgment in Sesheke by-election today
By Staff Reporter
THE Lusaka High Court is today, Tuesday expected to deliver judgement in a petition in which Sesheke PF losing candidate Dean Masule is challenging the electoral victory of Romeo Kangombe.
Judge Gertrude Chawatama heard the petition in Livingstone but would deliver judgment tomorrow afternoon in Lusaka.
Masule petitioned the election of Kangombe, arguing that the elections were not free and fair.
He claimed that the campaigns in the said elections held in February this year was characterized by undue influence that resulted from threats and violence to life and property.
Masule also alleged that there was rampant physical attacks on PF members and the general public which resulted in severe injuries.
The petitioner further claimed that acts of violence were widespread and affected the majority voters of the nine wards that constituted Sesheke parliamentary constituency.
He urged the court to declare Kang’ombe’s election null and void on grounds that the election was characterized by political violence.
On the other hand, Kang’ombe denied Masule’s allegations that violence engulfed Sesheke district during the by-election.
He however, accused the PF officials themselves of undertaking acts of electoral malpractice to prevent electorates from voting for him.
Kang’ombe stated that Masule’s claims of violence were speculative, adding that if at all that occurred, which he denies, then it was in isolated incidences.
He urged the court to dismiss the petition.
