ZAMBIA is on edge as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on whether former president Edgar Lungu can contest the 2026 presidential election. The impending judgement, due on Tuesday, has gripped the Southern African nation, sparking political and social tensions that underscore the high stakes involved.
A test for Zambia’s judiciary
The case has far-reaching implications for Zambia’s judiciary, seen as a litmus test for its independence and integrity. To ensure order, the court proceedings will be broadcast live nationwide, with public access to the premises strictly prohibited. Authorities are determined to prevent disruptions, especially if the court disqualifies Lungu, a scenario that could ignite unrest among his supporters.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has issued a stern warning: ‘Any acts intended to disrupt public peace and order will not be tolerated. Those found engaging in such activities will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.’
Adding to the intrigue, police on Sunday arrested four individuals at the court premises for alleged ritual activities. The suspects, aged between 28 and 39, are being held on charges of conduct likely to breach public peace.
Political divide deepens
The eligibility case has exacerbated political divisions in Zambia. President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration is accused by the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) of undermining judicial independence to disqualify Lungu. PF Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda condemned the ban on public attendance at court, accusing Chief Justice Mumba Malila and Inspector General Musamba of infringing citizens’ rights.
Lungu, who lost to Hichilema in 2021, remains a polarising figure. While his critics highlight corruption allegations against his administration, his supporters view him as a champion for change amid dissatisfaction with the current government’s economic management.
Legal and political stakes
At the heart of the controversy is whether Lungu’s time in office after succeeding the late Michael Sata in 2014 counts as a full term. The Constitutional Court previously ruled it did not, meaning Lungu’s only official term was from 2016 to 2021. However, this case revisits the matter, leaving the nation anxiously awaiting clarity.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere grows increasingly charged. Allegations of judicial interference, economic hardships, and corruption probes targeting Lungu’s family have only fuelled tensions. The seven judges handling the case have reportedly requested enhanced security, reflecting the sensitivity of their role.
A nation at a crossroads
The ruling could reshape Zambia’s political future. If Lungu is deemed eligible, he is likely to be Hichilema’s main challenger in 2026, setting the stage for another fierce political battle. If not, the decision may further polarise the nation, with the opposition claiming foul play.
This case is more than a legal matter; it represents a defining moment for Zambia’s democracy. Will the judiciary assert its independence, or will political pressures erode public confidence in the system?
As the clock ticks down to the court’s verdict, Zambia stands at a crossroads, its political stability and democratic integrity hanging in the balance. The decision will not only determine Lungu’s political fate but also set the tone for Zambia’s governance and unity in the years to come.
