BREAKING: LINDA KASONDE, TWO OTHERS FORCE LAZ SHOWDOWN ON TWO-TERM LIMIT – SAY ZAMBIA MUST NEVER TAMPER WITH PRESIDENTIAL TERMS
By Staff Reporter | Lusaka | 3rd November 2026
Chapter One Foundation Executive Director and former LAZ President Ms. Linda Kasonde (PC 070), alongside Messrs Josiah Kalala (PC 071) and Henry Mulenga (PC 3324), have requisitioned an immediate Extraordinary Meeting of the Law Association of Zambia to unequivocally reaffirm Zambia’s two-term presidential limit following the divisive 13 August polls..
In a formal requisition dated 3rd November 2026 to the Honorary Secretary, stamped as received by the LAZ Secretariat today, the three senior lawyers invoke Rule 10(2) of the LAZ Rules, demanding that Council convene the meeting within the period prescribed by the Rules and announce date, time and venue within seven days.
The purpose, they state, is for membership to deliberate and resolve the Association’s official position on calls from some sections of society to *(a) remove constitutional term limits for the office of President, or (b) increase the term of office to anything above five years.*
They ground their move in history. In 3.1 they cite LAZ’s historic stand in 2001 as part of the Oasis Forum against attempts to amend the Constitution to allow President Frederick Chiluba to serve a third term, calling it “central to the defence of constitutionalism in Zambia and… a defining moment in the Association’s history.”
In 3.2, they argue for consistency, noting that every major constitutional review body — the Mvunga, Mwanakatwe, Mung’omba Commissions and the 2011 Technical Committee — all recommended retaining a maximum of *two terms of five years each*.
“The present need… They raise fundamental questions about constitutional supremacy, the separation of powers, the rule of law and democratic accountability,” the requisition states, adding that LAZ’s objects include upholding the rule of law and “Given its history, the Association should not remain silent.”
The proposed resolutions they want adopted are unequivocal:
(a) That LAZ reaffirms the Constitution should retain a maximum of two terms of five years each;
(b) That LAZ opposes any proposal, in whatever form, to remove presidential term limits or to extend the term beyond five years;
(c) That LAZ opposes any attempt to apply such changes to an incumbent President;
(d) That Council must communicate this position to Government, National Assembly, political parties, civil society, the Oasis Forum and the public, and take all necessary steps, including advocacy and litigation where appropriate, to defend it.
They argue a formal membership mandate will give LAZ legitimacy and clarity to guide Council in national and civic engagements at a time of rising post-election tension
Such mobilisation is commendable and we need to do it at every level. This talk of abolishing the two term limit in our constitution must not be taken lightly.
Prolonged stay in power leads to abuse of power. The African political landscape is replete with many examples. Mr. Hichilema is no exception. His stay in power beyond 2031 will corrupt him in every way. The very fact that we are talking about this less than three months after the general elections is a powerful enough warning. Mr. Hichilema should have put this matter to rest unequivocally by strongly stating his stand on the matter instead of talking through his officials.
I repeat, Mr. Hichilema will have to be extremely foolish to attempt a third term. If he succeeds, he will invariably have to resort to harsh measures to remain in power. And that can only end in tears for him and the nation.
We don’t need a benevolent dictator. Our freedom is more important than a full belly.
A good leader makes himself irrelevant not indispensable.
Is it unconstitutional to vote out a president after one term…. If it’s not then a good leader can be voted for a third time as long the law allows it…. Even if term limit is removed the ballot will determine the next president….