Petition hearing period extended

The Constitutional Court has ruled that election petition period be extended to September 8, 2016.

Trial will start on Monday. This is in the petition case where United Party for National Development Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate have challenged the election of Edgar C. Lungu and Inonge Wina as elected President and Vice President respectively.

Constitutional Court President Hildah Chibomba made a landmark verdict shortly after midnight today after a plea by Hichilema and Mwamba that they be given time to find new lawyers after their legal team withdrew from the case.

She said each of the parties will be given two days to be heard.

This means that the Court has allowed to extend beyond the 14 day period despite the earlier refusal to allow petitioners application of extension in the 14 day period in which all issues must be exhausted.

Earlier the petitioners lawyers walked out of the court in protest leaving their clients Hichilema and Mwamba to represent themselves.

The court has adjouned the matter to Monday September 5,  2016