People received money at Archbishop Alick Banda’s farm in Lumezi, losing UPND MP Lufeyo seeks vote recount or nullification of election

The legal aftermath of Zambia's contentious general elections has intensified in the Eastern Province, where the losing United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate for Lumezi South, Lufeyo Ngoma, has formally petitioned the Chipata High Court. Mr. Ngoma is seeking either a complete recount of the ballots or the total nullification of the parliamentary poll, citing widespread electoral malpractices, vote-buying, and figures discrepancies that he argues compromised the integrity of the democratic process. In his startling testimony before the court, Mr. Ngoma alleged that approximately a week prior to polling day, voters were systematically assembled at a farm associated with Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda. The petitioner claimed that upwards of 400 individuals were present on the grounds, where they allegedly received monetary inducements of 50 Kwacha each, alongside provisions such as sausages and writing materials, coupled with explicit directives to cast their ballots for specific opposition and independent candidates. The allegations have thrust local religious leadership directly into the legal and political spotlight, adding further strain to an already delicate national political climate. During cross-examination, however, defense counsels pressed the petitioner regarding physical evidence, with Mr. Ngoma acknowledging that formal video or photographic documentation from the farm was sparse, relying instead on forthcoming witness testimonies to substantiate the claims. Official electoral records from the constituency indicate that Oliver Mwale secured victory with 6,324 votes against Ngoma's 4,946, while presidential tallies in the area similarly favoured opposition figures over the incumbent administration. Legal experts note that election petitions of this nature carry a heavy evidentiary burden, requiring clear, indisputable proof that alleged malpractices directly affected the final outcome. As the Chipata High Court weighs the submissions