In a country where elections are frequently contested, there is something unusual about a legal challenge that comes from within a political party itself.

The man before the Constitutional Court questioning the validity of President Hakainde Hichilema’s candidature in the August 13 general election is Charles Longwe, the founder of the very party whose nomination process he is now challenging. The court has set June 19 as the date it will hear the matter.

This is not a routine petition. It is a dispute that raises questions about whether the UPND followed its own procedures before submitting its presidential candidate to the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

The Argument Behind The Petition

Longwe’s case is built on a single legal argument: 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 required a convention to be held before any valid adoption of a presidential candidate could take place. Without that convention, he argues, the nomination itself is constitutionally defective.

Importantly, the petition does not challenge President Hichilema’s citizenship, age, qualifications or personal eligibility to contest the election.

Instead, the case focuses on whether the party complied with its own constitution when it selected its candidate. That distinction is important because the proceedings focus on the nomination process itself rather than the personal qualifications of the candidate.

The UPND Pushes Back

The ruling party has already moved to defend the nomination process.

Lawyers representing President Hichilema, including State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe and Michael Moono, have confirmed their participation in the matter. The UPND has also sought to have the petition dismissed, arguing that it lacks merit.

With the August election approaching, the case places the party’s nomination process under judicial scrutiny at a time when campaigns are intensifying across the country.

A Hearing Scheduled For June 19

The Constitutional Court has assigned the matter for a full bench hearing. Judge Martin Musaluke presided over the scheduling conference that set June 19 as the hearing date. Judgment is expected to be delivered at a later stage.

The timing is significant. Recent weeks have seen several election-related disputes move through the courts involving parliamentary candidates, running mates and nomination procedures.
The challenge involving President Hichilema’s candidature now joins a growing list of election matters awaiting determination before polling day.

Questions Before The Court

Whatever decision the Constitutional Court reaches, the proceedings will require judges to interpret the relationship between party constitutions and national electoral processes.

Political parties establish their own constitutions, procedures and rules. Where questions arise regarding compliance with those rules, courts may be called upon to determine whether the processes followed were consistent with the governing documents of the party concerned.

How the Constitutional Court interprets the UPND’s procedural obligations could influence how political parties approach nomination processes in future elections.

Longwe maintains that the party constitution must be followed.

The UPND maintains that its nomination process was valid and that President Hichilema was properly adopted as the party’s presidential candidate. The matter will now proceed to hearing on June 19.

Until then, President Hichilema remains the UPND’s adopted candidate, while the petition continues through the Constitutional Court process ahead of the August 13 general election.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear the petition on June 19, 2026. The matter concerns the process through which President Hakainde Hichilema was nominated as the UPND presidential candidate for the August 13 general election.

The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment has called for the immediate release of Xavier Franklin Chungu, describing his continued detention despite a High Court bail order as a matter that raises serious concerns about constitutionalism, judicial independence and the rule of law. In a statement issued on June 6, the Royal Establishment said developments surrounding  Mr Chungu’s detention and subsequent re-arrest have prompted questions about adherence to court decisions and constitutional protections.

 The institution urged authorities to uphold due process and respect the legal rights guaranteed under the Constitution while allowing any allegations against him to be determined by the courts.

Below is the full statement issued by the Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment.

Constitutional Court challenge focuses attention on candidate eligibility requirements ahead of August election

The Constitutional Court’s consideration of the academic qualifications of Socialist Party vice-presidential candidate Dolika Banda has emerged as one of the most closely watched election-related cases ahead of Zambia’s August 13 general election.

Proceedings before the court have centred on whether the qualifications submitted in support of Banda’s nomination satisfy constitutional requirements applicable to candidates seeking high office. The matter has drawn in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and the Attorney General’s office, placing candidate eligibility requirements under judicial examination.

Court proceedings heard that concerns regarding the qualifications only emerged after the nomination process had already concluded. Evidence presented before the court indicated that assessments conducted by the Examinations Council formed part of the issues now under consideration by the Constitutional Court.

According to material presented during the proceedings, questions have arisen over whether the qualifications under review meet Grade 12 equivalence requirements, including provisions relating to English Language, a compulsory subject within Zambia’s equivalency framework.

The Electoral Commission has maintained that nominations were processed using the documentation submitted during the nomination period. Court proceedings focused in part on the sequence of events that followed after nomination exercises had been completed and subsequent concerns were raised.

The case carries significance because it involves the presidential ticket led by Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe. With election campaigns underway across the country, any judicial determination affecting a presidential or vice-presidential candidate attracts heightened public and political attention.

Beyond the immediate parties involved, the matter has also prompted discussion regarding the verification of candidate qualifications and the respective responsibilities of institutions involved in the nomination process. The proceedings have placed renewed attention on how constitutional requirements are interpreted and applied within Zambia’s electoral system.

Petitioners in the matter have argued that constitutional standards must be applied consistently to all candidates seeking public office. Their position is that eligibility requirements should be enforced strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions governing nominations.

The proceedings have continued to attract significant public interest, with each court appearance drawing attention from political parties, legal practitioners, election stakeholders and members of the public following developments in the case.

The matter is unfolding during an active campaign period in which political parties are intensifying mobilisation efforts across the country. As a result, the court proceedings have become an important legal dimension of the wider election environment ahead of polling day.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has continued voter education programmes and stakeholder engagement activities while encouraging political parties and candidates to comply fully with electoral laws, regulations and nomination requirements.

The Constitutional Court’s eventual ruling is expected to provide guidance on questions surrounding candidate qualifications, verification procedures and the application of constitutional nomination requirements. The judgment is also likely to be closely examined by political parties, election administrators and legal practitioners involved in future electoral processes.

For now, the proceedings remain before the court, with legal arguments continuing as Zambia moves closer to the August 13 general election.

Editors Note: “The Constitutional Court’s determination is expected to clarify important questions surrounding qualification standards, nomination procedures and the interpretation of constitutional eligibility requirements.”

Family, church leaders and political figures renew calls for resolution as burial impasse enters second year

LUSAKA — Zambia marked one year since the death of sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on Thursday, with family members, church leaders and political figures renewing appeals for a resolution to the burial impasse that has remained unresolved since his passing.

Memorial activities held across the country on June 5 brought together relatives, supporters, religious leaders and political figures to remember the former Head of State’s life and years in public office. The commemorations also revived discussion surrounding the continued absence of burial arrangements, a matter that remains unresolved twelve months after his death.

Former First Lady Esther Lungu appealed for closure, describing the prolonged uncertainty as a difficult burden for the family. She said relatives continue to wait for an outcome that would allow them to fulfil what they believe were the wishes of the former president and finally conclude a period of mourning that has extended far beyond expectations.

Her remarks formed one of the central messages of the anniversary commemorations, where family members reflected on the personal impact of the dispute and the emotional toll associated with the delay.

The church also used the occasion to call for reconciliation and national unity. Lusaka Archbishop Dr Alick Banda paid tribute to the former president’s years of service and his connection with ordinary citizens, while urging Zambians to embrace values of humility, mutual respect and compassion.

The Archbishop’s message centred on the importance of preserving national cohesion during moments of difficulty and ensuring that differences are addressed with dignity. Similar themes emerged throughout memorial services and remembrance gatherings held in honour of the former president.

Political figures from different parties joined calls for a resolution. Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe questioned why the matter remained unresolved a year after Lungu’s death and appealed for an outcome that respects both the dignity of the late former president and the wishes of his family.

Former Chilubi lawmaker Mulenga Fube also called for a settlement, saying efforts should focus on bringing closure to the family and allowing the nation to move forward.

The prolonged dispute has kept Lungu’s legacy in the national spotlight long after his death. Throughout the past year, supporters have continued to organise remembrance activities while political leaders, church organisations and civil society groups have repeatedly commented on the matter.

For many citizens, discussion surrounding the burial has evolved beyond funeral arrangements alone and now touches on broader questions concerning national unity, reconciliation and the treatment of former leaders after leaving public office.

The anniversary comes at a time when political activity is increasing ahead of the August 13 general election. Campaigns are intensifying across the country, with parties competing for support and public attention. Against that backdrop, Lungu’s name and legacy have remained part of the national conversation as the burial issue continues unresolved.

Over the past twelve months, differing positions have emerged regarding aspects of the dispute. Despite those differences, calls for a settlement have continued to come from across political, religious and civic circles.

The first anniversary commemorations demonstrated that public interest in the matter remains significant. Memorial gatherings focused on remembrance and reflection, but they also highlighted the continuing expectation among many Zambians that a resolution should be found.

For supporters of the former president, the anniversary provided an opportunity to honour a leader they believe served the country with distinction. For family members, it marked another year without the closure they have consistently sought since his death.

No announcement regarding a final agreement emerged from the anniversary events, leaving the matter unresolved as it enters a second year. Family members continue to await progress, supporters remain hopeful for a settlement and public attention remains fixed on developments surrounding the issue.

The anniversary commemorations served both as a remembrance of Edgar Lungu’s life and as a reminder that one of Zambia’s most sensitive unresolved national matters remains without a conclusion.

Editors Note: “One year after the death of former President Edgar Lungu, appeals for closure continue from family members, religious leaders and political figures as the burial impasse enters a second year without resolution.”

PF faction leader cites government record as reason for supporting President ahead of August election

Miles Sampa, leader of a Patriotic Front faction, has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema’s bid for a second term, adding a significant political development to Zambia’s increasingly active election campaign ahead of the August 13 general election.

Speaking during a media briefing, Sampa announced that his faction would support President Hichilema’s re-election campaign, describing the incumbent as the strongest candidate in the presidential race. The endorsement comes as political parties and independent candidates step up campaign activities following the close of nominations.

The PF faction leader said the decision does not amount to a merger with the ruling UPND. He maintained that the endorsement was based on what he described as achievements recorded under the current administration and his assessment of the country’s direction under President Hichilema.

Among the areas highlighted by Sampa were free education, pension reforms, increased investment, growth in the mining sector, infrastructure development and broader economic policies. He said continuity would provide the country with greater stability as it pursues ongoing economic and social programmes.

The endorsement arrives during a period of continued political realignment across the opposition. Since the nomination process concluded, several candidates have withdrawn from parliamentary races, new political partnerships have emerged and competing alliances have sought to strengthen their positions ahead of polling day.

For the ruling party, the support from Sampa offers additional backing from a figure associated with the Patriotic Front, which governed Zambia until 2021. UPND leaders have continued to campaign on government programmes including debt restructuring efforts, free education, expanded Constituency Development Fund allocations and measures aimed at increasing mining production.

Opposition parties have continued to focus their campaigns on the cost of living, electricity challenges and the pace of economic recovery. Those competing narratives have become central themes of the election campaign as parties seek to persuade voters in the final weeks before polling.

The development also reflects the continuing shifts within PF-aligned political structures. Since leaving government, the former ruling party has experienced internal leadership disputes, competing factions and disagreements over strategy, developments that have influenced the broader opposition political space.

While expressing respect for former President Edgar Lungu, Sampa said voters should assess the country’s current position and future prospects when making their decisions. His remarks signalled a distinction between historical political loyalties and the choices facing voters in the 2026 election.

The endorsement comes amid heightened political activity across the country. Recent weeks have seen court proceedings involving election candidates, disputes linked to nominations and isolated incidents of political violence involving rival supporters.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has repeatedly called on political parties, candidates and supporters to familiarise themselves with electoral laws and conduct peaceful campaigns. Law enforcement agencies have also warned that perpetrators of political violence will face legal action regardless of political affiliation.

Political endorsements have become an increasingly visible feature of the campaign as candidates seek to broaden support beyond their traditional bases. While endorsements do not automatically translate into votes, they often influence campaign messaging, political perceptions and voter engagement.

For President Hichilema, the endorsement strengthens efforts to present his administration as attracting support across different political constituencies. For opposition formations, it highlights the continued challenge of maintaining cohesion in a crowded electoral field featuring multiple alliances, parties and independent candidates.

With voting day drawing closer, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns across the country as they compete for support in what is shaping up to be one of Zambia’s most closely watched elections in recent years.

Editors Note: “The endorsement adds another layer to an election campaign already marked by shifting political alliances, candidate withdrawals, legal contests and intensified competition ahead of the August  polls.”