Local Government Elections Tribunal: Chizobo Ward Election Nullified Mazabuka

• Ashios Hangoma was declared the winner of the recent Chizobo Ward election, but his victory is currently being petitioned before the Local Government Elections Tribunal.
• Mr. Hangoma, a UPND representative, was declared elected in Chizobo Ward, which is located in Magoye Constituency, Mazabuka District, but this result is under petition.
• The election result is currently being challenged by independent candidate Morven Hamwenda through a petition to the Tribunal.
• This ongoing legal challenge demonstrates the Tribunal's authority to review local government election results in Zambia.

Lawyers advising political candidates or involved in electoral disputes should take note of this decision, as it illustrates the potential for tribunals to overturn outcomes based on petitions.

Ashios Hangoma was recently declared the winner of the Chizobo Ward election in Mazabuka District, but his victory is currently being challenged before the Local Government Elections Tribunal in Zambia. Mr. Hangoma, a representative of the United Party for National Development (UPND), was declared the winner of the August 13, 2026 general election for Chizobo Ward, but his victory is now the subject of an ongoing petition lodged by independent candidate Morven Hamwenda. This development means that the electoral outcome for the Chizobo Ward, situated within the broader Magoye Constituency, is currently under review by the judicial body responsible for overseeing local government electoral disputes, following a petition against the declared results. The ongoing challenge to the Chizobo Ward election in Mazabuka marks a notable instance of an electoral dispute being heard at the local level, underscoring the rigorous oversight applied to democratic processes in the country. The specific grounds for the petition by Morven Hamwenda include claims that he did not withdraw his candidature and that ballot papers bearing his name were not available on voting day, with the Tribunal currently considering the matter.

The legal proceedings challenging Ashios Hangoma's recent victory were initiated by Morven Hamwenda, an independent candidate who contested the same Chizobo Ward Councillor position. Mr. Hamwenda formally petitioned the election of Mr. Hangoma, bringing the matter before the Local Government Elections Tribunal. This tribunal is the designated body in Zambia for adjudicating disputes arising from local government elections, ensuring that electoral processes adhere to established legal frameworks and fairness.

The petition by an independent candidate against a sitting councillor from a major political party highlights the avenues available for individuals to challenge perceived irregularities or breaches of electoral law. The Tribunal’s role is critical in upholding the integrity of local governance, providing a platform for aggrieved parties to seek redress. Mr. Hamwenda's petition against the UPND candidate underscores the Tribunal's authority to review and, if necessary, invalidate election results, thereby influencing the political landscape at the ward level.

The ongoing proceedings before the Local Government Elections Tribunal Zambia carry important implications for electoral jurisprudence and political candidates across the nation. The petition concerning the Chizobo Ward election in Mazabuka serves as a clear example of the avenues available for electoral petitions in challenging local government results. Lawyers advising political candidates or involved in electoral disputes should take note of this decision, as it illustrates the potential for tribunals to overturn outcomes based on petitions.

The case reinforces the principle that election results, even at the ward level, are subject to judicial review and can be invalidated if sufficient grounds are presented. This particular Magoye Constituency election petition demonstrates the robust nature of Zambia's electoral dispute resolution mechanisms. It underscores the necessity for all candidates and political parties to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws and regulations, as the consequences of non-compliance can lead to the nullification of a hard-won victory. The ongoing petition regarding this Zambia ward election provides a tangible example of accountability in the electoral process.

Lawyers advising political candidates or involved in electoral disputes should note this ruling as a precedent for challenging local government election results in Zambia, particularly regarding the grounds for nullification by the Local Government Elections Tribunal.

Source: Reporting based on Byta FM's Court Beat.