By Ollus Ndomu
As Zambia’s Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its much-anticipated judgment on the eligibility of former President Edgar Lungu to contest the 2026 presidential elections, tensions continue to rise across the nation. The verdict, slated for December 10th in Lusaka, has garnered widespread attention, with live broadcasts expected to captivate the country.
Amid this charged political climate, authorities have intervened to disrupt a gatherings allegedly orchestrated to bolster public sympathy for Lungu’s cause.
On Tuesday, approximately 40 students were transported to Crest Lodge in Lusaka’s Twin Palm area to attend a meeting where Mr. Lungu was expected to speak.
The Zambia Police Service intervened, citing the lack of required notification for the public gathering. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed that the meeting, chaired by opposition figure Raphael Nakachinda, was dispersed before Mr. Lungu could address the attendees.
“The organisers did not follow established procedures to notify the police. We acted swiftly upon intelligence and advised the group to disperse,” said Mr. Hamoonga. He added that the students had arrived aboard a Rosa bus and other unregistered vehicles, sparking concerns about the motives behind the assembly.
This incident underscores the heightened political sensitivity surrounding Mr. Lungu’s eligibility case. Having served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, his bid to contest again in 2026 has been challenged by critics who argue it violates the constitutional two-term limit.
Proponents of Lungu’s campaign argue that his initial term was incomplete and thus should not count as a full tenure.
The case has deeply polarized public opinion, with protests and demonstrations anticipated regardless of the court’s decision. Lungu’s supporters argue that the former president represents a stabilizing figure in Zambia’s political landscape, while critics view his latest moves as a blatant attempt to circumvent constitutional safeguards.
Observers have expressed concern about the potential for unrest following the judgment. Political analysts warn that Lungu’s actions, including convening unsanctioned gatherings, could further inflame tensions.
“This strategy appears aimed at galvanizing support and portraying Lungu as a victim of political persecution,” one analyst said.
Meanwhile, the government has urged citizens to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could jeopardize national stability.
The coming days are set to test Zambia’s democracy and its commitment to constitutional governance.
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