By 
Socialist Party leader, Dr Fred M’membe, has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to allow former President Edgar Lungu to contest the 2026 general elections.
M’membe stated that the most prudent course for the United Party for National Development (UPND) and President Hichilema would be to allow Lungu to stand and work hard to defeat him in a free, fair, and peaceful election by delivering on the promises made to the Zambian people.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, M’membe expressed concern that it appeared President Hichilema was determined to prevent Lungu’s name from appearing on the 2026 presidential ballot.
“The unbridled determination to block former President Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections is very dangerous and could lead to serious problems, including violations and the destruction of institutions,” M’membe warned.
He further stated that efforts to undermine the Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu’s political platform, had not yielded the desired results.
“They have tried the destruction of PF to deny Mr. Lungu a platform for his 2026 presidential election bid, but it doesn’t seem to be working,” M’membe said.
M’membe argued that the Constitutional Court should not be used as a tool to block Lungu’s candidacy, pointing out that the court’s decision on the matter was bound by the principle of res judicata—meaning the case had already been decided.
“The hands of the Constitutional Court are tied by res judicata, and it is not well-placed to play this assassin role,” M’membe said.
He explained that while it might have been difficult for the court to decide Lungu’s eligibility for the 2021 elections, it would now be much easier for the court to reaffirm Lungu’s eligibility, as it had already ruled on the matter.
“A final decision was made by this court that Mr. Lungu was eligible, and it would be a gross injustice to reverse that decision,” he added.
M’membe emphasized that a judgment by the Constitutional Court was final, and any deviation from that principle must be justified by substantial and compelling reasons.
“We see no compelling reason in this case. Simply disagreeing with the court’s decision is not sufficient grounds to overturn it,” M’membe concluded.
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