YALI welcomes dismissal of election petition

YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has welcomed the decision by the Constitution Court to dismiss the petition filed by UPND president Hakainde Hichilema challenging the declaration of President-elect Edgar Lungu as winner of the August 11 presidential election.

YALI governance advisor Isaac Mwanza says his organization welcomes the decision by the Court on the basis that the Court found the petition to be bad timed.

In an interview with QTV News Mr. Mwanza says what his organization however, bemoans the fact that the petition was not heard.

Mr. Mwanza says YALI is of the view that the Court and the lawyers are to blame as they should have provided guidance on how the petition should have proceeded.

He says this should serve as a reminder in future that when time is given for such petitions it should be utilized wisely.

Mr. Mwanza adds that YALI is also saddened that the Constitutional Court kept giving conflicting rulings during the proceedings.