Democratic Party Win Court Case

The Democratic Party has won a court case in which they sought judicial review on their deregistration as a political party, which was overseen by Chief Registrar of Societies Madam Mhende.

Yesterday the High Court Judge Sharon Newa directed Ms Mhende to issue the party with a duplicate certificate of registrate and acknowledge them officially.

The Registrar deregistered DP on June 6, this year, on grounds that it had not addressed the issue of why it should not be cancelled.

But delivering judgement on Thursday, Justice Sharon Newa said the decision to cancel the registration of the party was illegal, irrational and procedurally improper.

“In this case, not only was the Registrar of Societies decision to cancel the registration of the applicant as a political party illegal, it was also irrational, unreasonable and procedurally improper and I declare so, and the applicant succeeds. I accordingly quash the registrar’s decision and direct the registrar of societies to issue the Democratic Party with a duplicate certificate of registration. The applicant is also awarded costs to be taxed in default of agreement, leave to apply is granted,” said judge Newa.

And DP Spokesperson Judith Kabemba says “the party wishes to thank its members across the country, our sympathizers and the nation at large for your resilience, endurance and determination that you have demonstrated through out the struggle.”

“Your ability to stand firm and not grow weary has again demonstrated that Zambia needs and is ready for change and that change is the Democratic Party,” Mrs Kabemba said.