Lee Kabaso Mukupa v Kelvin Kaunda and Electoral Commission of Zambia

The Petitioner, Lee Kabaso Mukupa of the United Party for National Development (UPND), filed a parliamentary election petition in the High Court for Zambia challenging the August 13, 2026, election results for Lima Constituency, where the First Respondent, Kelvin Kaunda of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), was declared winner with 22,760 votes against the Petitioner's 8,041 votes out of a total 32,422 votes cast. The central legal issue is whether widespread election day voter harassment, active polling precinct campaigning, and administrative counting irregularities systematically disenfranchised the electorate and invalidated the final outcome. The petition rests on grounds of undue influence, intimidation, and illegal campaign practices, citing specific particulars including cadres chanting NRPUP slogans and flashing symbols at George Central Primary School, targeted voter threats at Winners Chapel Polling Station that drove voters away despite police intervention, and administrative coercion where the Petitioner's agents at Barlastone were forced to sign GEN 20 forms over active objections. Consequently, the Petitioner seeks reliefs declaring the election null and void, an award for legal costs, and a specific order for a ballot recount with a view to declaring the Petitioner the rightful winner if the physical tally proves he attained a majority.