**13th August 2024, Lusaka, Zambia**
The Lusaka High Court has denied the Attorney General’s request to overturn the stay granted to nine Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Patriotic Front (PF). The stay was issued after these MPs challenged the declaration of their seats as vacant by the Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Moyo.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha had sought to lift the stay, aiming to allow the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to proceed with by-elections for the nine contested parliamentary seats. This effort faced substantial criticism due to the ongoing financial difficulties in the country.
The main hearing of the case is scheduled to commence on 9th September 2024.
The MPs involved are Brian Mundubile, Stephen Kampyongo, Remember Mutale, Christopher Kang’ombe, Ronald Chitotela, Nickson Chilangwa, Davies Chisopa, Mulenga Fube, and Mutotwe Kafwaya. They initiated a judicial review following the vacancy declaration of their seats in July.
