The Constitutional Court has scheduled June 19, 2026, as the date for hearing a petition challenging the candidature of President Hakainde Hichilema in the forthcoming 2026 General Election.
The petition was filed by Charles Longwe, a founding member of the United Party for National Development (UPND), who is seeking the court’s determination on the legality of President Hichilema’s nomination.
According to ZNBC News, the hearing date was set following a scheduling conference held in chambers and attended by legal representatives for both President Hichilema and Mr. Longwe.
Speaking to journalists in Lusaka after the conference, State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe, who is representing President Hichilema, confirmed that the full bench of the Constitutional Court will hear the matter on June 19, 2026.
Another member of the President’s legal team, Michael Moono, said the court is expected to announce a date for judgment after the hearing has been concluded.
Meanwhile, Mr. Longwe’s lawyer, Benjamin Mwelwa, confirmed that the scheduling conference was conducted before Constitutional Court Judge Martin Musaluke.
Mr. Longwe is challenging President Hichilema’s candidature on the basis that the UPND allegedly did not hold a valid convention before his nomination on May 22, 2026. The petitioner argues that this raises questions regarding the validity of the nomination process.
The case is expected to generate significant public and political interest as Zambia moves closer to the 2026 General Election. The Constitutional Court’s ruling could have important implications for the country’s political landscape and electoral process.
Political stakeholders, legal experts, and citizens will be closely monitoring the proceedings when the matter comes before the full bench later this month.
Source: ZNBC News
