Tayali Rejects Diplomatic Posting, Calls for Debate on Presidential Term Limits
By: Mulabasa Staff Reporter
LUSAKA — Economic and Equity Party (EEP) President Chilufya Tayali says he is not interested in being appointed to a foreign mission, stating that he would prefer to remain in Zambia and participate in discussions surrounding constitutional reforms and presidential term limits.
Speaking during a live broadcast, Mr Tayali said suggestions that President Hakainde Hichilema should consider him for a diplomatic appointment had emerged from different quarters.
However, he questioned the motives of some people making such suggestions, alleging that some may have a hidden agenda aimed at positioning themselves for the 2031 presidential election.
Tayali called on politicians who have already started positioning themselves to succeed President Hichilema to stop what he described as premature political manoeuvring.
“I am not going into a foreign mission because I want to remain in Zambia,” Tayali said, adding that although he, like other politicians, would welcome employment, his preference was to remain involved in national political affairs.
He said his interest was to contribute to discussions on the country’s constitutional framework, particularly the issue of presidential term limits.
Tayali further called for citizens to participate in calls for constitutional reforms, saying the country should consider changes that would allow President Hichilema to contest the 2031 presidential election.
He argued that politicians who wish to succeed Mr Hichilema should be prepared to challenge him through the ballot if constitutional changes permit him to contest.
The remarks come amid ongoing public discussions surrounding Zambia’s constitutional framework, presidential term limits and the country’s political succession ahead of 2031.
Tayali’s comments represent his stated political position, while any constitutional amendment concerning presidential eligibility would have to follow Zambia’s legally prescribed constitutional process.