Zambia's political landscape has witnessed a fresh development after United Party for National Development (UPND) politician Emelda Munashabantu challenged the court ruling that nullified her election as Member of Parliament for Mapatizya Constituency.

Munashabantu has approached the Constitutional Court seeking to overturn the judgment delivered by Livingstone High Court Judge Kazimbe Chenda.

The original election petition was filed by independent candidate Clive Miyanda, who challenged the August 13, 2026 parliamentary election results. Munashabantu was declared the winner with 14,812 votes, compared with Miyanda's 14,330.

The High Court subsequently nullified the election, citing serious irregularities in the post-election process involving the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The court found that results from ten polling stations had not been included when the winner was declared.

In her appeal, Munashabantu is challenging the judgment on four grounds, arguing that the court made errors concerning the authority to declare results, the treatment of missing polling-station figures and the legal threshold for nullifying an election.

She also argues that the decision lacked sufficient evidential support and that the parties had agreed to proceed with the declaration despite the outstanding results.

Following the appeal, Munashabantu has resumed her parliamentary duties and is expected to continue serving while the Constitutional Court considers the matter.

The outcome could have important consequences for electoral accountability, parliamentary representation and the interpretation of Zambia's election laws.

The Constitutional Court's decision will determine whether the High Court ruling stands or the Mapatizya election result is restored.