Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga has formally challenged the 2026 general elections at the Constitutional Court, citing what he describes as widespread illegalities and irregularities that undermined the credibility of the entire process.
Addressing the media after filing the petition, Mpuuga said the case is anchored on multiple concerns touching on the conduct of the Electoral Commission, security forces, and the overall management of the vote.
“Earlier today, we addressed the media to update the country on our petition filed in the Constitutional Court, arising from the widespread illegalities and irregularities that marred the 2026 general elections,” Mpuuga stated.
He listed several grounds of challenge, beginning with the alleged involvement of the military in the electoral process, which he says interfered with the independence of the vote.
“Our petition is anchored on the following grounds: the involvement of the army in the electoral process; the failure of biometric machines, including concerns surrounding their procurement process and legality; and the Electoral Commission’s failure to properly demarcate polling stations and constituencies,” he said.
Mpuuga also questioned electoral regulations requiring presidential candidates to collect endorsement signatures from at least 100 registered voters across two-thirds of all districts, describing the requirement as restrictive and unfair.
He further cited concerns over what he termed irregular updating and compilation of the national voters’ register, saying it created doubt over voter authenticity and accuracy.
“The requirement imposed by the Electoral Commission for each presidential candidate to collect and submit endorsement signatures from at least 100 registered voters in two-thirds of all districts in the country, as well as the irregular and unlawful updating and compilation of the national voters’ register, are key issues of concern,” he added.
Mpuuga also faulted what he called opaque tallying and transmission of results from district tally centres, saying the process lacked transparency and accountability.
He maintained that the combined irregularities rendered the election process “a sham and devoid of credibility,” urging the court to intervene.