State House’s Assertion That President Hichilema Has No Intention of Blocking Former President Edgar Lungu from Contesting Elections Is an Insult to Zambians’ Intelligence
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
State House, through Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, issued a statement claiming that President Hakainde Hichilema has no authority to block former President Edgar Lungu from contesting future elections. However, this statement is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and obscure a carefully orchestrated campaign of political interference and institutional manipulation designed to eliminate President Edgar Lungu as a political rival.
The evidence is clear and damning, painting a picture of a government intent on undermining Zambia’s democratic foundations to tighten its grip on power. Zambians are neither uninformed nor blind to these actions. The systematic sidelining of President Edgar Lungu and the calculated destabilization of the Patriotic Front (PF) party reveal a government prioritizing the elimination of the opposition over serving the people.
Destabilizing the PF: A Government-Led Assault on Democracy
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has weaponized every available tool to weaken the PF, Zambia’s primary opposition party. This is not the result of healthy political competition but a state-sponsored campaign to destabilize the PF and undermine it as a credible platform for President Edgar Lungu.
For example, on 24th October 2023, Miles Sampa, with the explicit support of the UPND government, convened an illegitimate PF convention at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and declared himself party president. The government deployed state security and ensured extensive media coverage to legitimize this illegal gathering. Afterward, changes to the PF office bearers were forced through at the Registrar of Societies, all under the government’s supervision.
When Miles Sampa fell out of favor with the UPND, the government quickly shifted its backing to Chabinga, now positioned as the new government-backed PF president. Chabinga’s press conference, during which he illegally announced the suspension of President Edgar Lungu, Miles Sampa, and other PF members—despite a court injunction—was prominently broadcast by state-controlled media (ZNBC and ZANIS), further exposing the administration’s complicity.
This is not mere chaos; it is a deliberate strategy to cripple the PF and ensure it cannot mount a unified and credible challenge to the UPND in future elections. By systematically dismantling the opposition, the government is not just targeting President Edgar Lungu but robbing Zambians of their democratic right to choose from diverse political options.
Judicial Interference: A Direct Assault on the Rule of Law
The dismissal of three Constitutional Court judges presiding over President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility case is one of the clearest examples of executive overreach. These judges were handling a politically sensitive case with significant implications for President Hichilema, and their abrupt removal raises grave concerns about judicial independence.
Such actions severely erode public trust in Zambia’s legal system and confirm suspicions that the judiciary has been weaponized for political purposes. The timing of these dismissals—just as the court was preparing to deliver a verdict likely affirming President Edgar Lungu’s candidacy—is too convenient to dismiss as coincidence.
Moreover, the reopening of President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility case, despite prior rulings affirming his right to contest elections, highlights the government’s direct influence over judicial processes. This renewed challenge, spearheaded by Michelo Chizombe, a known UPND operative, undermines the authority of the Constitutional Court, Zambia’s highest legal body. By allowing politically motivated individuals to dictate legal proceedings, the government has transformed the judiciary into an instrument of political suppression, stripping it of impartiality and legitimacy.
The Hypocrisy of State House’s Neutrality Claims
State House’s effort to portray President Hichilema as innocent in this saga is an insult to the intelligence of Zambians. The facts speak for themselves: the UPND government is actively destabilizing the PF, manipulating judicial processes, and propping up surrogates like Miles Sampa and Chabinga to weaken President Edgar Lungu’s position.
This is not governance—it is a calculated dismantling of Zambia’s democracy. The ruling party’s actions reflect a deep fear of genuine political competition and an unwillingness to respect democratic norms. Instead of prioritizing the delivery of results for the Zambian people, the UPND is consumed with silencing opposition voices and consolidating power at all costs.
A Demand for Accountability and Justice
Zambians must stand firm and reject these underhanded tactics. A democracy flourishes when transparency, fairness, and respect for the rule of law are upheld—principles that the UPND has trampled underfoot. The choice of leadership must rest with the people, not the ruling elite. Attempts to manipulate the electoral process to exclude President Edgar Lungu are a direct attack on the will of the Zambian people.
A Call to Action: Defending Zambia’s Democracy
The current administration’s desperation to block President Edgar Lungu raises serious questions about its commitment to democratic principles. Is the UPND so insecure in its governance that it cannot face legitimate political competition? Zambians must remain vigilant and refuse to allow the government to destroy the country’s democratic foundations.
The manipulation of institutions, interference in opposition affairs, and the assault on judicial independence must be met with strong public opposition. Zambians must demand that all political players are given a fair chance to compete and that the government upholds its stated commitment to democracy.
Conclusion: Protecting Zambia’s Democratic Integrity
President Hichilema and his administration must immediately cease interference in opposition politics and respect the rule of law. Attempts to block President Edgar Lungu or any other political contender will deepen national divisions and further erode public trust in the government.
Democracy is not the privilege of a ruling elite but a fundamental right belonging to every Zambian citizen. Leadership must be decided by the people, not through manipulation by those in power. Any continued efforts to sideline President Edgar Lungu or other political opponents will only strengthen the resolve of Zambians to defend their democratic rights.
The people of Zambia are watching, and history will harshly judge those who undermine the nation’s democracy. The UPND must abandon its divisive tactics, prioritize tangible results for the people, and allow democracy to thrive. The integrity of Zambia’s democratic system depends on it.