22/09/2026
Zambia is once again facing a political debate that has appeared before: should a president be allowed to stay in power beyond the usual two terms?
President Hakainde Hichilema is currently serving his second term, but calls for him to remain in office beyond 2031 are beginning to emerge, including from some voices within his ruling UPND camp.
The debate is already drawing criticism. Emmanuel Mwamba, a leader of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, has questioned the argument that a president needs more than two terms to deliver development.
And this is not new territory for Zambia.
In 2001, then-President Frederick Chiluba faced intense resistance when efforts were made to clear the way for him to seek a third term. The push ultimately failed, and Chiluba did not contest the 2001 election.
Now, more than two decades later, the third-term question is back.
