FDD weighs in on President Lungu’s term

The opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) says it is important to clarify what Articles 34, 35 and 88 in the current constitution states in view of the growing debate about President Edgar Lungu serving a five year term in office.

FDD Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza says it must be clear in the mind of President Lungu that the 2016 General Election for him is unavoidable.

Mr. Mwanza explains that Article 34 of the Republican Constitution states that an election to the Office of President shall be held whenever the National Assembly is dissolved and that according to Article 88 of the Republican.

Constitution, the tenure of the National Assembly is 5 years after which it has to be dissolved and fresh Presidential and Parliamentary Elections have to be held.

Antonio Mwanza

He says the life of the current National Assembly is expiring in 2016 therefore, according to Articles 34 and 88 the next Presidential election must be held in 2016.

Mr. Mwanza says Article 35 of the Republican Constitution prescribes the Tenure of Office of President and subject to clauses 2 and 4 of this Article, the tenure of office of President is 5 years.

He furthermore explains that Clause 2 limits the Term of Office of a President to two Consecutive 5 year terms adding that Clause 4 ties the Tenure of Office of a President to the life of the National Assembly.

The FDD Spokesperson charges that President Lungu, being a lawyer by profession, is fully aware that he cannot go beyond 2016 without holding a Presidential election because that will be contrary to Articles 34, 35 and 88.