The full bench of the Constitutional Court has set June 19, 2026, as the hearing date for a petition filed by UPND founder Charles Longwe, who is challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s candidature in the August 13 general election.
The hearing date was confirmed following a scheduling conference held before Constitutional Court Judge Martin Musaluke. Lawyers representing both parties attended the proceedings, after which the court indicated that a judgment date would be announced following the hearing.
State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe, a member of President Hichilema’s legal team, confirmed the June 19 hearing date. Advocate Michael Moono, who is also representing the President, said the court would determine the judgment timetable after hearing submissions from the parties.
In his petition, Charles Longwe argues that the UPND did not hold a valid convention before nominating President Hichilema as its presidential candidate on May 22, 2026. He contends that the party’s constitution requires a convention to be held before a presidential candidate can be adopted.
The petition names President Hakainde Hichilema, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Registrar of Societies and the Attorney General as respondents.
Longwe is seeking a declaration that the acceptance of President Hichilema’s candidature by the Electoral Commission of Zambia was unconstitutional, unlawful and void.
The case comes less than two months before Zambians vote in the August 13 general election. The Constitutional Court is expected to hear arguments from both sides on June 19 before determining the next stage of the matter.
A decision by the court will determine whether the challenge proceeds or whether President Hichilema’s candidature remains unaffected by the issues raised in the petition.
Water under the bridge!
The man has been on the throne since 2006, African democracy!
Is it likely a challenger would have come forward ???