Government has refuted allegations stating that President Hakainde Hichilema had a hand in the judgement passed by the Judiciary, on former president Edgar Lungu’s eligibility to seek another term of office.

Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa has described allegations as mere baseless and political rhetoric that should be dismissed by all well-meaning Zambians.

Speaking during a press briefing, shortly after the judgment, Mr Mweetwa described the judgement as a sober verdict which has restored the rule of law in the country.

 “This judgement now brings clarity and certainty to the law, and promotes predictability of law and ends years of active speculation by many citizens and active arguments by lawyers.  

Constitutional Court Deputy president Arnold Shilimi, who delivered a two hours long judgment on behalf of Constitutional Court president Margret Munalula, ruled that the former President is not eligible to stand or participate in 2026 or any future elections having sworn in twice according to the 2016 amended constitution.

During the judgment which was witnessed by seven out of the eight Constitutional Court Judges, Justice Shilimi explained that the Presidential elections which ran from January 25, 2015 to September 13 2016 constituted a term of office.

He said the election which ran from September 13th, 2016, to August 2021, constituted a second term noting that Mr Lungu has been twice elected and twice held office.