Legitimacy of Sampa, as PF president, comes under legal scrutiny

The legitimacy of Miles Sampa’s position as president of the Patriotic Front (PF) party is under intense scrutiny again.

Nine PF Members of Parliament, including Mporokoso MP, Brian Mundubile, have launched a legal challenge in the Lusaka High Court, seeking to nullify Sampa’s election to the role.

These parliamentarians, who were expelled from the party last December, are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Sampa, who is also the Matero MP, from acting as party president.

They argued that his election on October 24, 2023, violated party regulations, electoral rules, the party’s constitution, and Article 60 (2) of the Zambian Constitution.

The litigants are asking the High Court to declare that changes made to the party’s official records by the Registrar of Societies after October 24, 2023, are invalid and to restore the previous status quo, which recognized former President Edgar Lungu as the party leader.

They also seek to nullify all decisions, actions, and appointments made by Sampa since his contested election, including their own expulsions from the party.

Read More: Relief for nine expelled PF lawmakers, as Lusaka High Court halts declaration of seats vacant

This legal battle arises from Sampa’s contentious election as PF president, which had led to various decisions and actions, including the expulsion of the nine MPs through letters issued on December 6, 2023.

The plaintiffs have previously challenged Sampa’s election in multiple court actions, many of which were dismissed due to jurisdictional issues or multiplicity.

The plaintiffs claim that Sampa continued to hold himself out as party president, causing them significant loss and damage.

They are seeking several declarations from the court, including that Sampa contravened party regulations and the constitution, and that his election was null and void.

They also seek orders to quash Sampa’s election and all subsequent decisions.

The case was filed on Monday by Messrs Lungu Simwanza and Company.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.