By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
THE Constitutional Court will on June 16, 2021 deliver judgment in the matter where Lumezi independent candidate Munir Zulu has asked it to invalidate the nomination of PF candidate Pilila Getrude Mwanza because she allegedly does not possess grade 12 certificate.
When the matter came up for hearing before Judges Palan Mulonda , Martin Musaluke and Mwila Chitabo, Mr Zulu’s lawyer Mcqueen Zaza contended that Ms Mwanza’s High School diploma is not equivalent to a grade 12.
Mr Zaza said the same High School diploma was not backed by a transcript to show if she only studied one course or a series of courses.
He also argued that the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) who confirmed the same diploma have no authority to do so according to Section 8 of the ECZ Act.
Mr Zaza said that it is only the Zambia Qualification Authority (ZAQA) that have the authority to confirm any certificates if they are equivalent to a grade 12 certificate.
He said the confirmation authority who are ECZ was wrong and makes Ms Mwanza’s nomination questionable.
But Ms Mwanza’s lawyers argued that ECZ has the mandate to confirm the certificate.
Ms Mwanza’s lawyers prayed that the petition be dismissed as it lacks merit.
The matter was adjourned for Judgement on June 16, 2021.
