Petition Against Lungu A Watershed Moment – Sishuwa

Dr Shishuwa Sishuwa has described his petition against the nomination of President Edgar Lungu for election as a ‘watershed moment’ for the country.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Sishuwa outlined that when countries ignore presidential term limits and judicial independence, they start to slip into disorder and authoritarian rule.

The historian is certain that President Lungu is trying to go against the Zambian constitution by running for a third term in office.

“Zambia’s constitution contains a clear two-term limit for the presidency…what is being suggested – that Lungu can stand for a third term – is an act of violence against the Constitution,” he said.

He compared President Lungu’s attempt at a third term in office to the situation in Uganda and Rwanda where term limits have been removed, enabling those in power to remain in power.

He continues by reassuring listeners that he is not going against President Lungu as an individual, rather his petition has been put in place to protect the constitution, with no other president contesting an election more than twice since 1991.

“So, our petition is not an intellectual or individual pursuit; if we destroy Zambia’s Constitution, we destroy the very soul of the country. This is the gravity of the situation.”

The historian adds that the petition is a “watershed moment for the country” which will either restore the Constitution or allow the country to fall into disorder and potential dictatorship.

Photo: Sishuwa Sishuwa Twitter