By 
Patriotic Front (PF) faction vice president, Given Lubinda, has dismissed the Constitutional Court’s judgment declaring former President Edgar Lungu ineligible to contest the 2026 elections, vowing that Lungu will appear on the ballot.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Lubinda described the court’s decision as an “academic exercise,” expressing confidence in Lungu’s candidacy.
“We in PF are more fortified by the outcome of the judgment. We remain steadfast behind Edgar Lungu as our candidate for 2026. He will be on the ballot paper, whether you like it or not,” Lubinda stated.
Lubinda said he spoke with Lungu immediately after the judgment and claimed the former president was undeterred.
“ECL is not concerned by today’s ruling. He is in Kawambwa doing what he loves—campaigning,” he said.
Lubinda dismissed concerns over the court’s decision, urging PF members to “stay on the right side of the argument” and treat the ruling as a non-issue.
He also accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) of using “lies and manipulative tactics” to hold onto power, urging Zambians to reject them.
The Constitutional Court ruled that Lungu’s tenure from January 25, 2015, to September 13, 2016, and his subsequent term from September 13, 2016, to August 2021, constitute two full presidential terms, rendering him ineligible for another term.
The ruling, delivered by a unanimous seven-member panel, was grounded in the interpretation of sections of the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections Act and constitutional provisions.
While the PF insists on fielding Lungu, the court’s decision effectively blocks him from participating in future presidential races.
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