IPC’s case challenge to await Supreme Court ruling

By: Envaalde Matheus 

The Electoral Court has put IPC’s case on hold, challenging the National Assembly election results, pending the Supreme Court’s ruling on the presidential election. 

The case centres on a proclamation issued by President Nangolo Mbumba, which extended the voting period for the 2024 elections beyond November 27. 

Political parties have welcomed the judge’s decision to await the Supreme Court’s guidance.

PDM secretary-general Manuel Ngaringombe called the judges’ decision wise, adding that political parties are now waiting for the way forward.

“It’s a very interesting case in general. It’s a public interest case. It has something to do with our democracy, and I have to commend the judges. I think they applied their minds very well to stay this case and wait for the Supreme Court ruling because the Supreme Court is the court of last instance,” he said.

Ngaringombe said whatever the Supreme Court rules will also affect this case. 

“From that point of view, I think it was a good decision by the judges, and we are waiting for the way forward. I think this is almost the start of the case.”

Republican Party president Henk Mudge said the decision is cost-saving.

“Obviously, because it’s all about the same election. It’s a lot of cost savings because the parties involved, the IPC and all the other parties are facing a case like this, which costs a lot of money,” said Mudge.

“Now, you have two court cases, so you have to run through this one. Whoever would have lost this case would, in any case, appeal to the appeal court, then to the Supreme Court,” he added. 

The Supreme Court is set to rule on the constitutionality of President Mbumba’s proclamation to extend the election dates to November 29 and 30. 

The ruling is expected on February 10.

(Photo: Contributed)