Losing United Party for National Development (UPND) Mwenzo Candidate in Nakonde District, Musingwa Siame has asked the Chinsali High Court to nullify the election of Lucas Simumba as Mwenzo Member of Parliament. Mr Siame is alleging widespread corruption, electoral malpractice…

Losing United Party for National Development (UPND) Mwenzo Candidate in Nakonde District, Musingwa Siame has asked the Chinsali High Court to nullify the election of Lucas Simumba as Mwenzo Member of Parliament.

Mr Siame is alleging widespread corruption, electoral malpractice and violence during the August 13th 2026 general election.

The losing candidate said Mr Simumba of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) issued money and ball pens to voters during voting day.

He said the alleged incidents happened at Tenga Junction, Mwenzo Primary School, Musyani and Waitwika Village.

Mr Siame further told the court that he saw about 30 people forcing their way through the gate at Nakonde Civic Centre, which was locked, as they attempted to gain entry into the premises.

Mr Siame said this in his presentation before Lusaka High Court Judge Twambo Musonda who is sitting in Chinsali District.

This is in a case in which Mr Siame of the UPND has petitioned for the election of Mr Simumba of the NRPUP as Mwenzo Member of Parliament.

However, during cross-examination, James Kayula, who was representing the Member of Parliament questioned Mr Siame whether he had made any complaints to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) or the police concerning the alleged violence or electoral malpractice.

Mr Kayula also questioned Mr Siame on whether he had evidence showing that Mr Simumba was the one distributing money and whether voters were turned away from voting.

Mr Siame responded that although he alleged that electoral malpractice was widespread and affected the majority of voters, he had not identified any voter who was allegedly prevented from voting.

He also admitted that he had no written document evidence from police showing that the money and pens allegedly distributed to voters came from Mr Simumba.

Meanwhile, petitioner’s witness, James Mumba told the court that Mr Simumba went to the Civic Centre on August 5th with a group of people.

Mr Mumba said one person in the group pushed him while attempting to gain access to the premises.

When asked whether Mr Simumba was the person who pushed him, he admitted that Mr Simumba was not the person who pushed him and that he did not identify the person who allegedly pushed him.

Mr Mumba said Mr Simumba’s visit to the Civic Centre concerned the recruitment of polling staff, particularly the exclusion of Nakonde residents.

He said Mr Simumba went to the Council Secretary’s office, where the Council Secretary explained the recruitment procedure to him.

Another petitioner’s witness, Anold Simwinga, told the court that he had a conversation with Mr Simumba on August 12 concerning an alleged plan to cause commotion and that he was going to be paid K50,000.

He said he had worked for Mr Simumba in 2021 by causing commotion at polling stations.

Mr Simwinga said Mr Simumba gave him K1,000 for a drink, which he accepted.

Mr Simwinga also alleged that Mr Simumba gave him five catapults, which he received but never used.

When asked whether there was an independent person present when the issue of the K50,000 was discussed and whether he had reported the matter to ECZ or the police, Mr Simwinga said no independent person witnessed the conversation and that he had no written evidence of the alleged promise.

He admitted that he did not report the matter to ECZ or the police and had no documentary evidence showing that he had reported the allegation.

NRPUP candidate Lukas Simumba obtained 9,002 votes against UPND candidate Nathan Musingwa Siame, who received 4,075 votes.

Trial continues today.