Lusambo demands clarity on 2026 elections, as Hichilema reportedly touts possible delay of elections for 8 years

Former Kabushi Constituency lawmaker, Bowman Lusambo, has asserted that President Hakainde Hichilema lacks the legal authority to amend the Constitution to extend his tenure.

Lusambo also rejected President Hichilema’s claims that there were constitutional gaps that could delay the 2026 elections.

During a media briefing held at his residence in Lusaka on Saturday, Lusambo stated that the Republican Constitution clearly outlined the election process in Zambia.

He insisted that Zambia would hold general elections as scheduled, regardless of President Hichilema’s actions or the UPND’s position.

“The Constitution is explicit about elections, including the election date, which is well-known to all Zambians,” Lusambo said.

Lusambo called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, to issue a statement reaffirming the Commission’s stance on the 2026 elections.

He pointed out that the ECZ had already released the 2026 election roadmap two months ago and criticized any attempts by President Hichilema to create unnecessary electoral confusion.

“I want to challenge Madam Zaloumis, State Counsel, to clarify the situation concerning the roadmap issued by the Commission two months ago,” Lusambo said.

He further urged Zaloumis to address concerns about whether the ECZ had been involved in private meetings with President Hichilema regarding the 2026 elections.

Lusambo was reacting to President Hichilema’s statement during the 4th session of the National Assembly in Lusaka on Friday that: “Some lacunas in the Constitution can lead us to a situation where we could have no general election for eight years, that’s not a joke.”

He said he was not sure what the intention of those who signed on “that constitution” were.

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