ConCourt ruling a sham- UPND

Steven Katuka

The opposition UPND has described as a sham the decision of the Constitutional Court to dismiss its presidential election petition.

UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka says the party has been taken by surprise by the decision to dismiss the petition without being heard.

He says the party will need some time to reflect and recollect on what has transpired before making a decision on the next step.

In an interview QTV News, Mr. Katuka notes that in the meantime UPND members will remain as  disciplined as they have been prior and after the August general election.

Mr. Katuka states that the UPND is disappointed that it was not given a chance to be heard despite the sleepless nights its lawyers had to prepare for the Court hearing.

Mr. Katuka says the Court has set a bad precedent for the country’s justice system as its decision will now make it difficult for people to respect such institutions of governance.

And UPND leader has hinted at appealing to the High Court to seek interpretation on the infringement of his fundamental rights to be heard by the Constitutional Court.

He told the BBC Focus on Africa that what has happened is like a person accused of murder being sentenced to death without being tried.