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Saboi Imboela, leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside other political and civil society leaders, has urged former President Edgar Lungu and his supporters to respect the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling, which declared him ineligible to run in the 2026 general elections or any future presidential contests.
The ruling, issued by the Constitutional Court, affirmed that Lungu, having served two terms as president, is barred from seeking another term under Zambia’s constitutional provisions.
Imboela, speaking to Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Tuesday, called on Lungu’s followers to accept the decision and move forward, citing how members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) respected the 14-day court ruling regarding President Hakainde Hichilema’s election challenge in 2016.
“Some of us were called names when we said he was not eligible to stand as far back as 2021, and we still hold that view. He should now respect the court’s outcome,” Imboela said.
Echoing Imboela’s sentiments, the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) also welcomed the decision, framing it as a reaffirmation of Zambia’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
CLRI Executive Director, Mundia Hakoola, emphasised that the ruling strengthens democratic governance by enforcing presidential term limits—an essential measure to ensure leadership renewal and prevent power consolidation.
“The enforcement of term limits is critical in safeguarding democracy, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring institutional accountability,” Hakoola noted.
He added that the ruling underscores the independence of Zambia’s judiciary as a key protector of constitutional order.
Hakoola also called on political parties to reflect on the importance of leadership renewal and internal democracy, advocating for a transformative leadership approach that aligns with the nation’s aspirations.
In a similar vein, Jonathan Hangwemu, UPND’s National Youth Chairperson for Finance and Mobilization, called on all Zambians to respect the courts and the constitution, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“It’s crucial that we respect our judiciary and the constitution. There’s no need to pursue alternative angles. This constitution was crafted for the people of Zambia,” Hangwemu stated.
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