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Ten presidential candidates who contested Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general election have rejected proposals to remove presidential term limits, warning that such a move could undermine democratic safeguards and weaken constitutional governance.
In a joint statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, the candidates said they were concerned about the debate surrounding a reported proposal by nominated Youth Member of Parliament Mwato Kabaso to abolish presidential term limits.
They said the issue was not whether an incumbent president deserved another opportunity to govern, but whether Zambia was prepared to weaken a constitutional safeguard against the excessive concentration of political power.
“Zambia does not belong to an individual, a political party or an administration. Zambia belongs to its people,” the candidates said.
They said the country’s democratic gains had been secured through political struggles, difficult decisions and sacrifices by citizens who believed that no individual should have a permanent claim to national leadership.
“Democracy is not simply the act of conducting elections. It is the protection of political pluralism, the freedom to organise, the right to challenge authority, the independence of institutions and the peaceful transfer of power,” they said.
The candidates recalled that Zambia operated under a one-party political system between 1973 and 1991, and cited the controversy surrounding late former President Frederick Chiluba’s attempt to secure a third term in 2001.
Chiluba eventually announced on May 4, 2001, that he would not seek another term following opposition to his bid.
“The Constitution must remain supreme, and presidential eligibility must be determined by law rather than political convenience,” the candidates said.
They warned that removing presidential term limits could weaken institutional independence, create unequal political competition, undermine democratic succession and contribute to political instability.
“A peaceful transfer of power is not a weakness of democracy; it is one of its greatest achievements,” they said.
The candidates also rejected arguments that extending presidential tenure could provide continuity in national development and reduce the financial burden associated with holding regular elections.
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They argued that the answer lay in improving electoral administration, strengthening public financial management and ensuring the efficient use of public resources.
“The presidency is an office of service, not an inheritance. Leadership is a constitutional responsibility, not a lifetime entitlement,” they said.
They called on Members of Parliament to uphold constitutional principles that safeguard democratic succession and urged young people, churches, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and professional associations to participate in the debate.
The candidates also called for stronger independence of the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, Parliament and other constitutional institutions.
They said their opposition to removing presidential term limits was not directed at any particular president or political party, but reflected their commitment to constitutional governance and the long-term interests of Zambia.
They added that while presidents come and go, the Republic of Zambia must endure.
The 10 signatories are Kelvin Bwalya of Zambia Must Prosper, Given Chansa of the Revamp Party, Harry Kalaba of Citizens First, independent presidential candidate Given Katuta, Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe, Organised People’s Party leader Brian Mushimba, Democratic Party’s Ackim Njobvu, Richwell Siamunene, Richard Silumbe and Howard Kunda.
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