The Patriotic Front (PF) has said that it is delighted with the outcome of the landmark decision of the Constitutional Court that has cleared the path for Republican and PF President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to contest the 2021 elections.
In a statement released to the media and signed by PF secreatary Genearal Davies Mwila, PF said that President Lungu and the PF have always been ready to honour the outcome of this case, irrespective of the direction it would have gone, adding that those who went to court or joined the petition should also have been ready for any outcome.
“This is the same Court that ruled against former Ministers and also recently ruled against our member on the matter of eligibility for councillors to contest mayoral elections. We respected the decisions that went against us despite having disagreed with the court,” read the statement.
Below is the full statement
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE LANDMARK DECISION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT REGARDING THE ELIGIBILITY OF REPUBLICAN AND PF PRESIDENT- HIS EXCELLENCY EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU TO CONTEST THE 2021 ELECTIONS.
By Hon Davies Mwila
INTRODUCTION
The Patriotic Front (PF) is delighted with the outcome of the landmark decision of the Constitutional Court that has cleared the path for Republican and PF President His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu to contest the 2021 elections.
While we are elated, we will remain humble and resist the temptation to gloat, even though this decision comes at a time when self-proclaimed “defenders” of the law have over the last few months advanced an erroneous understanding that the Constitutional Court can only be impartial if it ruled against petitioners who argued in favour of President Lungu running for his second term that commences in 2021.
The President and the Party have always been ready to honour the outcome of this case, irrespective of the direction it would have gone. Those who went to court or joined the petition should also have been ready for any outcome. This is the same Court that ruled against former Ministers and also recently ruled against our member on the matter of eligibility for councillors to contest mayoral elections. We respected the decisions that went against us despite having disagreed with the court.
As a party, we believe in the authority of the judicial process, because without the courts to expound and define their true meaning and operation, laws are rendered a dead letter!
What we have seen today is the vigilance of our highest court to give that true meaning to the Constitution of Zambia. As a democratic party, the PF applauds all reasonable voices that agreed or disagreed on the position of the current law. Whether we agree or not, we all need to respect the decisions of judges.
Most importantly, those who proclaim to respect the rule of law must not only respect the decision from our court, but also make the law respectable.
Our country’s Constitutional Court is not a place where the resolution of disputes begins: but rather, a place where the disputes end.
OUR RESOLVE TO HAVE PRESIDENT LUNGU AS PREFERRED CANDIDATE
The PF remains resolved in President Lungu’s sole candidature for the Party Presidency in the 2020 General Convention and 2021 Presidential Elections.
Unfortunately for the Opposition, they will have to contend with someone whose popularity they dread to encounter on the ballot paper in 2021.
We consequently exhort our colleagues in the opposition not to get jittery with the landmark decision of the Court. They must instead prepare for a free, fair and democratic election in 2021.
Ironically, for more than a decade, some perennial presidential candidates have not had a manifesto to offer other than a simplistic wish list in the form of a flyer. How can they be taken seriously? We urge them to reflect on this basic flaw.
As a party and as a nation we are blessed to have a leader of such distinction as President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. His passion for development and his desire to uplift the standard of living for all Zambian citizens is as exemplary as his respect of the rule of law.
We cheer on President Lungu as he accelerates in his pursuit of delivering multi-sectoral development across the nation; fulfilling the promises outlined in the PF Manifesto – including quality health care, education and other social services to the people.
He is a shining example to all of us in the party .Our people are therefore looking forward to a Cabinet with Ministers with a like passion for development. They desire pro-active co-workers for the President who can follow the practical lead of our Party Leader and Head of State; by becoming more responsive and engaging with the public, defending both the Party and the Presidency.
As a party, we shall be calling out those ministers who are not seen to be more engaging with our citizens, especially our women, youth and students, to move out from their comfort zones and become more hands-on and engaging.
We do not have time to waste in any meaningless debate in the aftermath of this court decision on the eligibility; but we are focused to deliver on development. That is what we were elected for.
May I also take this opportunity to thank the ever increasing party membership across our nation for their zeal and spirit of brotherhood that permeates through the rank and file of the structures of the Patriotic Front.
As comrades and members of a party focussed on developing our country they are encouraged to continue being patient, and law abiding and maintain exemplary levels of discipline, to allow our various institutions of Governance, space to work freely, without any perceived intimidation or interference because PF stands for Rule of Law.
FORGING AHEAD
As we put this judgment behind us, we are alive to fact that the Zambian people expect this administration and the party to constantly report back on the progress and setback we experiencing in the manner we are governing the country.
Our President equally remains committed to an open-door policy. The party shall therefore be glad to facilitate meetings between the President and interest groups that are interested in contributing towards a better and prosperous Zambia under the able leadership of President Lungu.
Let us all forge ahead as a nation united in all manner of diversity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Let us continually remember that the God that has gathered us; is stronger than the enemy that desires to scatter us.
Congratulations PF, enjoy chibuku and sayx-party at your Secretariat.
Feel sorry for ConCourt judges’s loss. They are doing it for peace-loving Zambia.
This was a straightforward case! I am disappointed by UPND INCOMPOS. UPND H-opposition is not based on facts or alternative views but on TRIBALISM, period. This party will NEVER ever be in power in Zambia because Zambians know who HAKAINDE HICHILEMA is and his supporters. I never thought at any point that this was a debatable issue. ONLY CHILDREN needed even to ask about eligibility issue. SHAME ON YOU TRIBAL PARTY.
Congrats Chagwa and the ruling PF for the opportunity to continue serving Mother Zambia. Constitutionalism has again carried the day against some hollow psychological rhetoric relentlessly shoved on the throats of our people. It’s about time some agenda media portals redeemed themselves from a path of irrelevant commitments meant to tear down Zambia and her institutions but in vanity. Now we the people can start preparing to again cast our sacred vote in 2021 for a humble man who relates with our collective interest, situations, values and temperament. We’re Masters of our destiny and not the hate news portals. We pride in the nation’s spirit of patience, its temperament, faith in the constitution and the justice system. BRAVO!!
I think the Concourt need scrapping.
Thanks
BB2014,2016
HEY ARE HAPPY AIN’T THEY? I DIDN’T KNOW THAT THE ISSUE WAS A THORN IN THEIR FLESH.
WHY WOULDN’T THEY? THE RULE OF LAW HAS PREVAILED, HASN’T IT?
Congratulations! It seems you’re not tired of wining. It’s a feel good moment. But the people will not eat the ECL presidency. People want decent lives.
I have no doubt that you the patriots will hit the economy home.
I voted for ECL for his promise for diversifying the Zambian Copper monopolised economy. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, though. Rather the proof is in the pudding. Bola ni 90min. We need enough talking points towards the wrap of the 2020 into 2021.
I dont get the ‘PF’
PF were going to field a presidential candidate regardless. The only people you need congratulate are people who think they are guaranteed a job under Lungu (not PF).
In any other countries the PF even South Africa’s PF the party would be the first to reject its president’s request for him to go on longer than is necessary.
I dont mind Lungu, but these celebrations are misplaced
Thanks
BB2014,2016
Hakainde bola yakosa. Check his statement on Zambian watchdog, he is now suicidal. kikikikikiki
The judgment was predicted due to the rotten judiciary & the PF KangCourt.
Our constitution is the biggest loser in this case. All previous constitutions were thrown in the dust bin bcoz they were changed to suit one individual. USA has the same constitution from 400 years ago bcoz they didnt center it on George Washington or B.Franklin or Barack Obama.
This fake judgment is like when a pastor starts changing verses in the bible to justify his sleeping with other pipoz wives or taking offering money to buy ferraris & private jets.
A sad day for the constitution, but NOT our beloved country.
How can the constitution be the loser when the judges were not reinventing it. What the judges were doing is simply read what the zambians wrote in the same constitution. Nothing has been added pr subtracted from it. Most people who have read it understood even b4 the judges pronounced the interpretations. It was only under5s who were misguided by hh into believing that the constitution is silent on that issue. Just suck it and accept the reality. Better still drink fertilizer and start looking at things at our level. Its never too late. Start with urea and end with D compound.
Opponents,
You have 100% the right to express yourself in a democracy irrespective of your flawed opinion on this matter. Friends of Chagwa and the ruling PF did the right thing to pursue a judicial recourse in in advent of unnecessary political discord created by political rivals. This how mature democracies settle their constitutional chaos. The Constitution has given its verdict and the nation must move forward. Those who think they are equal to the task and have built critical mass of voters to win, let them take on one Chagwa Lungu on the ballot. There are 2 sides of a coin and winner takes it all. Kalebalika pa Zambia.
Public Order Act is a tool the is used selectively against the opposition. Did all the PF get permission to assemble?
Where is the Public Order Act, is it a tool the opposition. POA needs serious scrutiny disorder, wear a PF/Edgar chitenge and you can assemble or do what you want anywhere. Zambia does not need all this anarchy by the like of Mwila?
Oval head, you have told him, ati take Fertilizer starting from Urea and ending with D compound kikikiki.
I heard that the constitutional court ruled for ministers to pay back money they illegally obtained from the treasury after staying in the office illegally before elections.
Isn’t the constitutional court final? The ministers who are all PF have disobeyed the court. Should n’t they be locked up for contempt of court? And for theft too
Yes, PF respects the ConCourt ruling only when they rule in their favor. The ConCourt ruled that Lungu’s ministers pay back the money they illegally obtained, while remaining in office after the dissolution of parliament back in 2016. Have the ministers paid back the money? If anything PF contested the ConCourt ruling and the ministers refused to pay back the money. These ministers should be behind bars by now for contempt of court. Crooked, crooked PF. Lungu’s eligibility case was a big issue, and there was no way the ConCourt could’ve gone against him–without risking the full wrath of PF thugs. PF would not have respected or accepted that ruling. We all predicted the outcome. You PF hypocrites. Stop lying.
Congrats Mr. President.
You have my vote in 2021.
HH should use Nalumango as running mate, to face Edgar & Davis Chama running mate.
Inonge has retired.
HAZALUZA HAGAIN. Please leave GBM because he will be the NEXT president of UPND after the little boy retires in 2021.
Following
PF is calling for people to respect the court’s decision after that ruling on the eligibility of President Lungu to run for elections in 2021. But the thing is, from where I am standing, I think that court decisions in Zambia are never respected. Remember that in 2016 just before presidential elections, the ConCourt ruled that MPs should pay back monies they got illegally when they legally ceased to be parliamentarians after dissolution of parliament. Have they paid back? A big NO! Parliamentarians themselves failing to respect the ConCourt ruling. Says much about our seriousness to tackle national issues.
Kindly ask Prof. HANSONI to write the UN on his University letterhead urging the people of ZAMBIA to respect the Court’s decision.
Yes PF should be practicing what they are preaching. Respect the court decision by making their Ministers pay back what they illegally earned. Davies Mwila should lead the way.
Every picture tells a story. In this picture, it clearly tells you that all those in the picture really depended their lives and livelihood on the one decision by the ConCourt. Out of excitement, someone is said to have exclaimed:” Good ruling Crown Court!”
Just this ruling, am seeing people in Lusaka alone on jubilee time . It’s like a campaign period mood . To be honest people like ECL naturally regardless of several weaknesses.Yes PF should drop some money on the grassroots for the sake of small scale business to survive.Some local city traders( vendors)lost their business capital during cholera time which saw trades crackdown.Low income businesses is translated to 60% of the National. If this can be considered and done now,believe it PF will scoop by huge margin of votes.Please , PF supports local businesses across the country .
There is too much unnecessary excitement about ‘losing and winning’ and less on delivering. This pre – occupation with ‘being in charge’ is part of the undoing of this country by this regime. Ask them to sit down and answer real issue questions and they won’t – they will dodge around or issue hollow further propagandist statements through press liaisons.
Watch them now go on and on about 2021 to the detriment of human development.
By the time ECL will leave here, Zambia will be oozing with chocolate. We are gonna be a chocolate factory with 6 oil fields in production across the four corners of the land.
Osa susha iwe.
At the close of 2020 we are gonna put him on the performance scale. The performance of parastatals and civil service will be lamped on him. How real the roads he is building will be reassessed. LPM’s agricultural policy was sound, I don’t know whether ECL’s is anywhere near. MMD used to mend roads, I hated the culture.
Twice his going to run as incumbent With all the benefit of the sitting president. Justice ladies no more blindfolded she can see PF.
I’m glad she’s no more blindfolded now she can identify with less fortunate.
Comment:Congratulations Mr President live long
ECL is not RB the guy is sharp and knows how to win. He is a student of sata in politics although he can’t speak like home all anything near the cobra but he hard the opportunity to be with sata on almost all compaign trails trout the country. He knows more places . Sata exposed him to election engineering. The only big lose ecl have suffered in KBF and I hope he protect him from expansion by vultures. ECL will win big time in 2021. I can see a situation where upnd why die a natural dearth after 2021 and Kambwili or Kalaba even chipimo taking over the second position. How ever this depends on were Kabwili will be on the loosing upnd side or loosing under NDC. Loosing under NDC will be a gain for kambwili because it will help him shed off the caward tag over him. But is he side with upnd…
We all thought Chiluba was ‘sharp’ till he left office and what happened afterwards is in public domain
Did PF obey the decision of the constitution court bwana secretary? Can petitioners also appeal to the same court so that they reconsider their decision!
Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.
Section 2. This Article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to…
EAT MORE CHICKEN. Stop leaving other parts which the infected brain did not want to quote.
“……Those who went to court or joined the petition should also have been ready for any outcome. This is the same Court that ruled against former Ministers and also…”
Yes CC ruled against the ministers but you refused to honour the judgment……that was what was going to happen in this remote case of CC ruling against lungu..
How do you get excited over something that was known by everyone a long time ago that the PF concourt can never rule against the PF. It’s like you already know the sun is rising from the east tomoro and then you get excited when it does rise from the east.
May this question be answered,
Is it that the opposition is scared to lock horns with ECL in 2021?
Thank God I am a scientist where you only get one answer, with law you win it depending on how you interpret your understanding of what is written and on precedent. There is never a certain right or wrong, its about majority judges on the bench does it mean they are morally and in law right? Yes and no. So this could have gone either way but very unlikely away from those in power. The surprising thing is its those who support the incumbent who brought this to court. what was their motivation and reason behind it? This is not about PF, it was about an individual and those that support the top power
If some termination to the services of the chief magistrate be not fixed by the Constitution, or supplied by practice, his office, nominally for years, will in fact, become for life; and history shows how easily that degenerates into an inheritance.[5]
@Politics not a game.. patronage here is the operative word.
And the African “beat” of corruption, tribalism, nepotism and cronyism goes on and on
in the long run who suffers?
TRIBALISM in NAMWALA? Corruption in Privatisation? You Ha right.
Thank God the matter has been put to rest.The President can work without any worries . l presume the likes of CK and the rest will tone down as they can no longer make political milage out of this matter any more. I wonder what the click that called itself liverpula united will do now because it was treacherous and oppotunistic to say the least.
This was written all over the wall n same person will win the 2021 election. Ni Dununa reverse all the way bane