Petition hearing gets underway

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The Constitutional Court has begun hearing the presidential petition filed by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema challenging the re-election of President Edgar Lungu in the August 11 polls.

The full bench of the court consisting five Judges is being lead by Constitutional Court president Hildah Chibombo.

The court will hear the petition and deliver judgment before the 14 days stipulated in the constitution for hearing a petition elapses later tonight.

Earlier the court dismissed an application by the petitioners’ lawyers to have the matter referred to the High Court for determination over the contention on the issue of the 14 days stipulated for hearing the petition.

But Constitutional Court president Hildah Chibomba dismissed the application in a ruling on account that the court has jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Ruling in the petition is only expected to be delivered late this evening at 23:45 hours.

Meanwhile there is a heavy presence of police around the Court premises as the petition is being heard.