Following the much-anticipated ruling on the presidential eligibility case by the Constitutional Court, the civil society in Chipata has called for calm in the country.
The CSOs are of the view that as there was only one country called Zambia, its citizens should, therefore, be at all times uphold peace, especially during such eventualities.
Youth Development Foundation (YDF) Eastern Province Coordinator, Chinoya Muyeye, says the general public should maintain peace and start the next chapter.
Mr Muyeye noted in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services that Zambians had spoken through the courts of law, adding that the presidential eligibility case should be put behind.
” In 2025, we should see less politicking and concentrate on issues that are affecting people in terms of development, especially with the women and the youth,” he said.
He advised leaders to leave office when people were still clapping, adding that staying in politics for a long time was not good.
And Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Eastern Province Coordinator Dorothy Ndhlovu challenged leaders to uphold the rule of the law.
Ms Ndhlovu said what transpired during the proceedings up to the judgement of the presidential eligibility case was wastage of public revenue, which could have been avoidable had the law been followed.
” When we are in the office, let us act according to what the rules and regulations stipulate. If we don’t do that, we know that at one time, things will change and will backfire. With what happened, this is what we call wastage of government resources,” she said.
Meanwhile, Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) Eastern Province Coordinator Maumba Ngoma, said the outcome of today’s judgement was a bitter pill to swallow.
Mr. Ngoma said today’s judgement must be agonising the followers of the former Republican President but was quick to add that national peace was cardinal.
” This is our country, and we have no other option but to be peaceful and respect the outcome of the judgement, ” Mr Ngoma said.
The Constitutional Court in its judgement through its deputy president, Arnold Shilimi, ruled that former Republican President Edgar Lungu, was not eligible to contest the 2021 General Elections.
This was because Mr. Lungu had already held office twice and was also sworn in twice during the period he ruled the country.
The Constitutional Court also ruled that Mr Lungu would not participate in any future elections.
This follows petitioner Michelo Chizombe, who took the matter of Mr Lungu’s eligibility to court, of the 2021 Presidential election following his being sworn-in twice as Head of State and twice holding office as Republican President.
