“The Return of the King: Lungu’s Unyielding Quest for Power”

In a dramatic twist of fate, despite the Constitutional Court’s ruling that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to contest future elections, he remains undeterred, stating that he is the Tonse Alliance’s presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.

The political climate in Zambia is about to ignite. With 2025 marking the final year of the current government’s term and the United Party for National Development (UPND) seeking to retain power, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown. The air is thick with tension as the country gears up for what promises to be an electrifying battle for the presidency in 2026.

But in the shadows of this political drama stands the figure of Edgar Lungu, the ex-president who lost the reins of power to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021. Though the law seems to have barred him from returning to the political throne, Lungu is refusing to bow out. In a bold move that could change the course of Zambia’s political future, he has unveiled a mysterious strategy, his so-called ‘Plan B.’ This secretive plan, which he has kept closely guarded, has sparked speculation across the country.

Rumors have been swirling for weeks. Whispered conversations suggest that Lungu has already chosen his candidates for the 2026 election, following a series of covert meetings with opposition leaders. Is Lungu secretly maneuvering behind the scenes, positioning himself for a political comeback? Or is there another twist waiting just around the corner?

In a dramatic Christmas message that sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Lungu took to his Facebook page to address the rumors head-on. “Don’t be mistaken or misled by anyone into thinking I have endorsed anyone as a 2026 presidential candidate,” he declared. “Moreover, Tonse Alliance has not endorsed anyone apart from myself!”

With these words, the former president doubled down on his claim, declaring himself the one and only candidate for the Tonse Alliance. His supporters, both at home and abroad, are being urged to hold strong, to rally behind him as he boldly declared: “Plan B is the only hope and alternative for Zambia.” The message was clear: Lungu is not backing down. His fight for power is far from over.

As the clock ticks towards 2025 and the nation prepares for the defining year that will shape Zambia’s future, all eyes will be on Edgar Lungu. Will he break through the legal barriers that stand in his way? What is the mysterious Plan B that he holds so close? The political stakes have never been higher, and the next chapter in this saga promises to be nothing short of a blockbuster.

Stay tuned. The story is far from over.

M’MEMBE DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF BLOGGER FRANCIS KAPWEPWE a.k.a ‘WHY ME’

…asks for PROOF OF LIFE

Lusaka… Tuesday December 31, 2024

Socialist Party (SP) President Dr Fred M’membe has demanded for justice and the immediate release of Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as ‘Why Me’.

Dr M’membe questioned why President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government continued to go against the law and the promises they made to the Zambian people.

He asked the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, and the Inspector General of Police, Graphael Musamba, to explain to the nation the continued and unlawful detention of TikTok blogger Francis Kapwepwe, also known as Why Me, in Livingstone for many months.

Dr M’membe inquired why the young man had been kept in illegal detention for such a long period.

He questioned what grave crime Kapwepwe had committed to warrant this kind of punishment and why there was such cruelty and total disregard for the law.

The SP President said Zambians should not forget that there are people close to President Hichilema, who continue to commit worse cyber crimes, to this very day, without reprimand or punishment.

“We should not forget that there are people close to Mr Hichilema, who have committed worse cyber crimes, and continue doing the same thing to this very day, without reprimand or punishment. In fact, some of these people have actually been rewarded with jobs in the foreign service, and some are presently running Mr Hichilema’s guerrilla media channels, and are engaged in all manner of seditious practices, and maliciously abusing and insulting private citizens, and Mr Hichilema’s political opponents with impunity. They’re simply untouchable. Where is the fairness? Where are human rights? Where is the decency of this government and its leaders?” Questioned Dr M’membe.

“We have said it over and over again, that those who seek equity must come with clean hands. Mr Hichilema and his league must not seek to enforce the law, when they themselves are in bleach of it. It is immoral and a shame that they should treat some citizens of this country like animals rather than humans deserving a chance to live like themselves.”

Meanwhile, Dr M’membe asked what type of leaders would not care or listen to others and where the justice and equality before the law, promised by Mr Hichilema, were.

He demanded an explanation as to why bail had been denied for Kapwepwe and why people were not allowed to visit him in prison.

“Why have they kept the young man in illegal detention for this long? What grave crime has he committed to warrant this kind of punishment? Why this cruelty and total disregard of the law? What type of leaders are these, who do not care or listen to others? Where is the justice and equality before the law Mr Hichilema promised us? Can they explain to the nation why bail has been denied for this young man? And can they also explain why people are not allowed to visit Francis in prison? Is Francis still alive?”

Dr Lawrence Mwelwa, stop weaponising my name on the third term debate to advance your political, legal and scholarly battles. You can do it on your own: my last rejoinder

By Prof Munyonzwe Hamalengwa

Dear Dr Mwelwa,

Stop weaponising my name on the third term debate to advance whatever political, legal and scholarly battles you are involved in or pursuing.

You can ably do those battles on your behalf or on behalf of others on your motion. Even though I spotted your intentions a mile away, I had decided to ignore that aspect, albeit also pointed out by others, in hope that it will remain a scholarly pursuit. But when you start a devious veiled and unveiled scholarly mischief and weaponisation, I have to jump in and say, enough is enough.
In your article of December 25, 2024, a Christmas Day of all days, you state the following:

“Professor Hamalengwa claimed a significant academic victory by reflecting on the outcome of the Chizombe case.”

You further go on to state that in celebrating the victory, Professor Hamalengwa “position[ed] himself as a pivotal voice in Zambia’s evolving jurisprudence”. What you said here is what compelled me to issue this brief reply. What you have said here is simply a baldfaced academic and scholarly invention, misrepresentation and mischief. You want to use my name as a continuing lightening rod for your battles and positioning. You want to create a mountain or monument that you can continuously beat against to promote your own agenda. Read the article two more times: where do I claim a pivotal role and academic leadership in this debate? Where do I ululate about the victory? I totally reject your after the fact concoction. Let’s stick to the scholarly debate template.
In the impugned article all I said principally was itemising once again the observable signposts igniting and later on establishing a vacated precedent and I further added two more “principles”: 1. Unprecedentedly controversial legal decision, 2. Significant ferment in the expert and none expert opinion signalling the precedent as a wrong decision, 3. Dynamic ringing dissent by a judge or judges, 4. Changed political regime, 5. Changed judicial composition, 6. Emergency of an enigmatic litigant, and 7, the presence of a dynamic advocate.
You have as yet failed to deal with this independent schema that characterises a vacated precedent. Mentioning these characteristics is not favouring “political expediency”. Where in these characteristics is political expediency? Wrong precedents in fact violate “constitutional fidelity”. For example, Danny Pule ignored the implications of Article 35 of the 1996 amended constitution, it violated the meaning and spirit of Articles 2&7 of Constitution Amendment No. 1 of 2016. You have refused to come to terms with the wrongness of Danny Pule, but instead you choose to beat the drum of the non-existent “political expediency” which is your creation. Wrong precedents violate the principles you hold so dear in the vacuum: judicial stability and constitutional fidelity. Judicial stability does not sit well with wrong precedents. In fact, your judicial stability ought to be disturbed in order to cure a wrong precedent.

Dr Mwelwa, you ignore entirely the political and judicial context in which Danny Pule was created, it was created in the context of “political expediency” in which the former president threatened the judiciary while at an airport in Solwezi that there would be chaos if the Zambian judiciary went the way of the “Kenyan judicial  adventurism”. What was stated there has been oft-quoted and is available. At that time the judicial composition was about half it’s supposed full compliment. You know the debates about that judicial composition. There was no “judicial stability” considered in a broader contemporary context. Where was the judicial independence in that political context? There was no judicial independence. That decision, Danny Pule was made under orders and duress. The judiciary failed to protect the constitutional order at that time and failed to correctly interpret the constitution because of the political context existing at time. Dr Mwelwa has utterly failed to introspect on the existing political, legal and judicial context in the period 2015 to 2021. Once Dr Mwelwa does that, he may be more nuanced in his analysis.

Dr Mwelwa quotes Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila SC where he stated, “judicial independence must be practised through decisions rooted in the law, not swayed by political sentiment”. The Chief Justice is right but Dr Mwelwa is wrong. The quotation and others from the Chief Justice do not support Dr Mwelwa’s analysis. The Danny Pule decision was not rooted in law, of Article 35 of the 1996 Amended constitution or Articles 2&7 of Constitution Amendment No. 1 of 2016 but was based on political sentiment and pressure on the judiciary exerted at Solwezi airport by the then president. The Chief Justice from reading his three books that I have plus his article on judge Clever Musumali and other articles, truly supports judicial independence and the rule of law in practice and not in the abstract. Whatever happens, however, my 7 “principles” that characterise vacated precedents remain undisturbed because they are independent of Dr Mwelwa’s analysis. Some of his concerns reflected in the precedents of Dred Scot, Plessy etc are contained in “principle“ No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3, is: “Controversy” “Prominent opposition” or “Judicial dissent” or not related to similar cases to be decided similarly.

There is no way I could claim a pivotal role in that debate except in your universe for political, legal and scholarly purposes already pointed out. Leading lawyers and academics held sway: Professors Muna Ndulo, Melvin Mbao, Cephas Lumina, Chaloka Beyani, Dr O’Brien Kaaba, and others opposed the Danny Pule precedent. Constitutional lawyers John Sangwa SC, Elias Chipimo Jr, Linda Kasonde opposed the decision. Prominent academic Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa opposed the decision. Mases of public opinion on social media opposed the decision. Many other columnists including myself opposed the decision. The only claim I could make is that I have been consistently writing on the judiciary and many legal issues since my law school days decades ago in Canada and I have penned hundreds of articles on judicial dissent, judicial diversity, judicial appointments and related legal issues. I didn’t just start now.

I also admit to the reality that as an academic and scholar, I do read and write in order to inform, participate, educate, influence and affect public opinion and the opinion of decision makers including the judiciary. There is no scholarship devoid of this. But, in my articles I never claimed that I was the pivotal voice in the third term vacation debate. This is my last reply to Dr Mwelwa’s ruminations.

The author continues to research on the judiciary and on numerous other legal issues. He teaches criminal law; jurisprudence; intellectual property; medical law and research methodologies in law in Zambia. Email: munyonzwe.hamalengwa@zaou.ac.zm

ANDD WRITES ECZ OVER KAWAMBWA PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTION

…. concerned with reports of vote buying and cash distribution among other issues

Below is the letter….

30th December 2024

The Chief Electoral Officer 
Electoral Commission of Zambia 
Election House, Haile Selassie Avenue, Long Acres, 
P.O. Box 50274 
Lusaka, Zambia 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

Subject: Concerns Regarding the Kawambwa By-Election Held on 20th December 2024 and electoral integrity of the electoral Commission of Zambia

We trust this letter reaches you in good health. As an organization dedicated to advancing democratic principles, electoral transparency, and integrity, we have carefully examined reports from various stakeholders, including the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), Transparency International Zambia, opposition parties, and other concerned parties, regarding the parliamentary by-election held on 20th December 2024 in Kawambwa Constituency. After reviewing their findings, we wish to express serious concerns about the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.

The reports outline several irregularities that undermined the integrity of the election. These issues, detailed below, require your immediate attention and action: 

1. Vote Buying and Cash Distribution
The reports reveal that UPND officials, including the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu, Chililabombwe MP Hon. Paul Kabuswe, and the UPND candidate, were involved in distributing money to residents in Chitondo. Additionally, promises of free fertilizer were made to the community. Such actions constitute vote-buying and violate the Electoral Code of Conduct. 

2. Voter Manipulation
There were reports of UPND supporters transporting individuals from Kawambwa to Nchelenge to replace lost or damaged voter cards. Teachers from the constituency were allegedly instructed to fill out blank, stamped police reports at voter registration centers to facilitate the replacement of these cards. These actions raise serious concerns about the manipulation of the voter registration process. 

3. Electoral Code of Conduct Violations
The reports also detail numerous breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct, including the alleged expulsion of polling agents and election monitors by UPND supporters. Despite the presence of monitors, there seems to have been a lack of enforcement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in ensuring adherence to the Code of Conduct, thereby failing to guarantee a level playing field for all participants. 

4. Misuse of State Resources
Another significant concern raised is the presence of at least 10 Cabinet Ministers and other government officials stationed in Kawambwa without clear evidence of official leave. The involvement of District Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and other high-ranking government officials in this manner, along with the use of state resources, creates an uneven playing field and compromises the neutrality of the election. 

Conclusion and Recommendations:
Given the seriousness of these findings, we strongly urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia to conduct a thorough investigation into the concerns raised by CCMG and other stakeholders and take appropriate corrective action. 

As the Advocates for National Development and Democracy, we specifically recommend: 

– A comprehensive investigation into the incidents of vote-buying and manipulation of voter registration processes. 
– Stricter enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct to prevent future violations. 
– A review of the use of state resources during elections to ensure impartiality and fairness. 

We are deeply concerned that these irregularities undermine the credibility of the electoral process. We trust that the Electoral Commission of Zambia will take swift action to address these issues and ensure that future elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. 

We await your prompt attention to this matter. 

Yours sincerely, 

Samuel Banda 
Executive Director 
Advocates for National Development and Democracy

Cc: American Embassy

British Embassy

European Union

LEVY NGOMA URGES CIVIL SERVANTS TO ALIGN WITH GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

December 30,2024

Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Levy Ngoma, has called on civil servants to work harmoniously with the ruling government to ensure the successful implementation of national programs and policies.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Petauke district administration, Mr. Ngoma emphasized that civil servants have a duty to execute the President’s vision by adhering to the government’s Manifesto.

“All civil servants should serve the interest of government programs, and that should be the guiding principle in their work culture,” he stated.

He condemned acts of undermining government initiatives and urged civil servants to foster collective commitment and professionalism.

“Civil servants are the implementing face of government policies, and they must act with integrity and dedication,” said Mr. Ngoma.

The Presidential Political Assistant also commended President Hichilema for his tolerant and visionary leadership, noting that his dedication to unity and development should inspire all public workers.

“I commend President Hichilema for his vindictive heart and tolerance, even though some people take that for granted,” he added.

Mr. Ngoma emphasized three key factors in procurement processes: quality, timely delivery, and right pricing. He called on civil servants to align their efforts with the President’s vision, ensuring these principles guide all government projects.

“There is so much on our shoulders, and we must embrace accountability, transparency, and quality in delivering goods and services,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Petauke District Council Secretary Kelvin Banda praised the government for expanding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has financed over 50 projects in the district in 2024 alone.

He highlighted key initiatives, including the installation of solar panels at two secondary schools, four water pumps, and two health facilities under the disaster response component of the CDF.

Mr. Banda added that the CDF has enabled the drilling of boreholes in every ward of Petauke Central Constituency to address water challenges.

“These projects are transforming lives and addressing critical needs in our community,” he said.

Petauke District Commissioner Martha Mulenga also applauded the government’s response to food insecurity caused by last season’s droughts.

She revealed that over 60 community markets are now selling Food Reserve Agency (FRA) stocks, ensuring residents have access to affordable food supplies.

“Despite the droughts, the government has not neglected us but has provided various programs to feed our people,” Mrs. Mulenga said.

On water and sanitation, the District Commissioner highlighted the construction of two new dams and the rehabilitation of three others under the CDF.

She noted that the dams, once completed, will provide adequate water for agriculture and livestock, significantly boosting local livelihoods.

The local leaders thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for his continued commitment to improving the lives of the people in Petauke and across the country through transformative initiatives.

CHIEF NSEFU PRAISES UPND GOVERNMENT FOR SAFEGUARDING THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE

December 30, 2024

Mambwe-Senior Chief Nsefu of the Kunda people in Mambwe has commended the UPND government for its commitment to addressing the welfare of citizens, particularly in Mambwe District.

The Chief praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration for taking decisive action to mitigate hunger caused by drought through the provision of Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize.

During a courtesy call by Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Levy Ngoma, Chief Nsefu acknowledged the government’s efforts in ensuring food availability and the impactful implementation of the Cash for Work program in his chiefdom.

He emphasized the importance of timely payments for beneficiaries, calling on the government to prioritize the smooth operation of the program.

“The Cash for Work program has really helped the people in my chiefdom. I am happy with President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration for introducing initiatives aimed at transforming our communities,” he said.

Responding to the Chief’s remarks, Mr. Ngoma reaffirmed President Hichilema’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders as partners in development.

He noted that the government’s approach to engaging traditional leadership highlights its strategy of inclusive governance.

“As the UPND government, we always see you, our traditional leaders, as partners in development, not adversaries. This is a priority for President Hichilema in all his interactions with traditional authorities across the country,” Mr. Ngoma said.

The Special Assistant outlined the government’s plans to institutionalize traditional leadership by constructing modern chief palaces and providing motorbikes for retainers to enhance service delivery.

He described these initiatives as part of a broader vision to strengthen the link between the government and communities.

Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri, who doubles as Malambo Constituency Member of Parliament, echoed the Chief’s sentiments and highlighted other key interventions such as the Social Cash Transfer program.

He stressed that the UPND government is steadfast in its resolve to uplift vulnerable households and ensure equitable development across the region.

Mr. Ngoma’s three-day working visit to Eastern Province underscores the UPND government’s focus on grassroots engagement, with the delegation inspecting development projects and delivering President Hichilema’s message of goodwill.

Accompanied by Chief Political Specialist Chembo Kalala and other officials, the visit signals the party’s determination to maintain strong political relationships with traditional leaders while implementing its developmental agenda.

TF

ZAMBIA BLESSED TO HAVE PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA – SENIOR CHIEF KALINDAWALO

Nsenga Headquarters, Nsimbo Palace – Eastern Province, December 30, 2024

Senior Chief Kalindawalo Mdikula Chitete of the Nsenga-speaking people has praised President Hakainde Hichilema, describing him as the leader chosen by God to guide Zambia through one of its most challenging periods.

Speaking when Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Levy Ngoma, paid a courtesy call on him at Nsenga headquarters, Nsimbo Palace, the Chief expressed profound gratitude for the government’s efforts to address hunger, noting that President Hichilema and his administration have worked diligently to safeguard the lives and well-being of citizens during difficult times.

“Without the leadership of President Hichilema and his government, many of my people would have succumbed to hunger and despair,” said Senior Chief Kalindawalo.

He highlighted the transformative impact of initiatives such as the Cash-for-Work Program and the enhanced Social Cash Transfer, commending them for significantly improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities.

Senior Chief Kalindawalo applauded the government for constructing chief palaces and schools within his kingdom, describing these developments as pivotal to fostering national progress.

“The construction of chief palaces has dignified traditional leadership across the country by providing us with modern facilities, including flushable toilets and showers,” the Chief stated.

He praised President Hichilema for spearheading efforts to create a more prosperous and sustainable Zambia, pledging his unwavering support for the President’s leadership.

The Chief expressed appreciation to the United Party for National Development (UPND) government for addressing looming hunger challenges and prioritizing the welfare of rural communities.

“Through the Free Education policy, vulnerable children in rural areas now have a chance to succeed, bridging the gap between the poor and the rich,” said the Chief.

He lauded the administration’s investment in rural schools and hospitals, describing these as benchmarks of excellence achieved within just three years of governance.

Senior Chief Kalindawalo also commended the government for the timely payment of retirees’ pensions and the introduction of the 20% partial withdrawal initiative, which he said had brought relief to countless families.

The Chief called on all Zambians to unite in supporting and praying for President Hichilema and his government, emphasizing that collective effort is key to transforming the nation into a better place for all.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Levy Ngoma, elaborated on his visit to Nsimbo Palace in the Eastern Province.

Mr. Ngoma extended festive greetings to the Chief and encouraged him to foster unity among his people ahead of the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

He assured the Chief that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by communities, particularly those caused by drought, and reiterated its commitment to providing effective solutions.

“We are confident that through continued collaboration between traditional leadership and the government, we will overcome the challenges and build a brighter future,” said Mr. Ngoma.

Mr Ngoma was accompanied by Chief Political Specialist Chembo Kalala, Petauke district Commissioner Martha Mulenga,Sinda District Commissioner David Tembo, UPND Eastern Province Chairperson Johabbie Mtonga and other party officials.

©️ Falcon

We have fulfilled almost everything we promised – UPND

THE UPND says it has so far fulfilled almost everything it promised to the people of Zambia noting that there are only about three things remaining on the checklist.

The party’s consultant Mark Simuuwe stated that the party is currently not concerned about  2026 as it is fully preoccupied with fulfilling what it promised the country.

Simuuwe said government has now found solutions to load shedding and the high cost of living which will soon show with the results.

He revealed on Millenium TV last evening that the future of the country looks bright and the year 2024 has come with successes and challenges which government has devised a mechanism on how to deal with the challenges on the table.

“We have fulfilled almost everything that the UPND promised there only about three things that are remaining which are load shedding and the solution has been found and we will deal with the cost of living at household level. The solution is there to give citizens opportunities to produce food throughout the year. We are on track as a country and the strategy is very clear.”

“UPND is not concerned about 2026, when you are on the driving seat presiding over the affairs of the country and running the country belonging to the people of Zambia on behalf of the people of Zambia. Our preoccupation is about fulfilling the promises we made,” he shared.

When asked on how the party predicts 2025 to be, the consultant stated that the UPND predicts the economy to be back on track where it will be able to monitor sectors.

“We needed to plant the mine. Now that we have planted, the mine is beginning to take off.
We started by correcting the situation in the area of SMEs to empower more citizens,” explained Simuuwe.

He revealed that in 2021, only K41 million was released towards the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and the UPND increased the fund to K365 million after taking over power.

“The number of beneficiaries increased and we are expanding the number of beneficiaries year by year,” said Simuuwe.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, December 30, 2024