In a development sparking political tension, former President Edgar Lungu has publicly accused his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, of influencing the outcome of a legal petition that questions Lungu’s eligibility to run in future elections. The dispute centers around whether Lungu can contest the upcoming 2026 presidential race, a decision that could shape Zambia’s political landscape.
Lungu alleges that President Hichilema has a vested interest in the matter, asserting that his successor is keen on ensuring that he (Lungu) is barred from participating in the 2026 elections. The former president’s concerns have escalated to the point of him filing an official affidavit seeking the recusal of three constitutional court judges from the panel set to determine his eligibility.
In his affidavit, Lungu claims that the judges in question — Margaret Munalula, Arnold Shilimi, and Mapani Kawimbe — have personal ties to President Hichilema, raising fears of potential bias. Lungu’s legal team argues that their continued involvement in the case could compromise the impartiality of the court’s ruling. As a result, he has formally requested that these judges step down to ensure that the case is heard by an unbiased panel.
This petition follows a longstanding debate about whether Lungu can seek another term in office after serving two terms, as stipulated by the Zambian Constitution. Critics argue that Lungu’s attempt to run again violates constitutional term limits, while his supporters believe there is room for interpretation, claiming he is eligible to contest again.
The controversy surrounding this case has the potential to significantly impact Zambia’s political arena, especially as the 2026 elections draw nearer. Both Lungu and Hichilema are prominent figures in Zambian politics, with their parties — the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND), respectively — holding deep-rooted rivalries. The outcome of this case could either clear the path for Lungu to return to the political stage or close the door on his political aspirations once and for all.
While President Hichilema has yet to respond to Lungu’s accusations, the legal proceedings are set to intensify as the former president continues to push for the judges’ recusal. The Zambian public, as well as the international community, will be watching closely to see how the courts navigate this politically charged case. For now, the eligibility issue remains unresolved, leaving both parties preparing for what could be a pivotal moment in Zambia’s political history.
By Darius Choonya