Threats Over Petition



Mwanza faces backlash after High Court challenge to 101 independent candidates

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (29-050-2026) --- Governance activist is facing threats Isaac Mwanza following his decision to petition the High Court seeking to disqualify 101 parliamentary candidates who filed nominations as independents for the August 13, 2026 general elections, a move he says is grounded in constitutionalism and good governance.

Mr. Mwanza has confirmed that individuals in various WhatsApp groups have not only criticised his legal action but have also issued threats against his life.

He says the messages and calls intensified after he and a consortium of civil society organisations initiated court proceedings challenging the eligibility of the affected candidates.

He has since condemned the threats, describing them as inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.

He argues that good governance requires that electoral disputes be handled through lawful and institutional channels, rather than intimidation of individuals seeking constitutional interpretation from the courts.

Mr. Mwanza said his decision to move to the High Court was informed by concerns that some candidates may have breached constitutional requirements governing independent candidacy.

He cites Article 51(a) of the Constitution, which he says prohibits individuals who are still members of political parties from contesting elections as independents.

He maintains that the petition is intended to protect electoral integrity and strengthen constitutionalism by ensuring that all candidates comply with the same legal standards.

According to him, several of the 101 candidates were still active members of political parties at the time they filed nomination papers with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), raising serious legal and constitutional questions about their eligibility.

Mr. Mwanza further alleges that some candidates initially sought party adoption and paid nomination fees but later opted to run as independents after failing to secure party tickets, without formally resigning or renouncing their party membership.

He argues that allowing such nominations to stand would undermine fairness in the electoral process and weaken respect for constitutional provisions, which are central to democratic governance.

Mr. Mwanza has emphasized that the matter is now before the High Court and should be determined strictly on the basis of law and evidence, free from intimidation or political pressure.

He has since called for restraint and respect for the rule of law as the court considers the petition.

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