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!
The fact that he has been using his pocket to sponsor this party and holding it together why not?
Bwahahahahaha! His own money.
So this democracy is for sale period.
Is it likely a challenger would have come forward ???
Gary? No he’s chicken. Syakalima? Another chicken. Nalumango? The shop window doll??
All of them are chickens
Even the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu was improperly nominated at their PF convention.
Bravo two wrongs make a right viva African politics Changing the world
This one is gone. Longwe means business
Keep on dreaming.Let us examine who currently possesses the ability to challenge HH. Let us also consider who is able to sponsor a party primarily from their own resources at this moment. If one cannot achieve this, they should remain in a state of fantasy. This Longwe individual is merely a compensated anarchist. We are not even familiar with him; he is simply attempting to disrupt the party, but his efforts will be in vain. When the court ultimately dismisses this case, it is imperative that substantial costs are imposed, ensuring that he learns a difficult lesson.
Hamusonda, How do you know?
Just sit down. He is gone, that one
Waste of money that we pay these comfortable crooked judges. These judges can never ever rule against HH. Until when he’s out of power.
We all know that. So what’s this playacting for? To feign democracy? Convince the world that we are not like Museveni who fixes elections?
Just imagine if the court was to rule for this esteemed founder!
UPND would need to refile. But the election commission has closed nominations!
Mundubile would majestically enter State House! unopposed???
Kikikikiki They are caricaturing. It can’t happen. The hearing is a farce. The ruling has already been made. The judges will get their sitting allowance ka?
His Excellency Brian Mundubile
Can I be your Hamasaka please?please please?
@phirilonga so you also love free cash?
No work. Just issue one press release a year. Then check your bank. Get in touch with Mundubile
Waste of time and money………..
Anyways,
it gives the opposition and the rude media with no manners something to talk and hope for……..,,,
Statecraft is intact and on course
We are here
FWD2041