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Zambian leader consults lawyers on Constitutional Court failure to rule on presidential election petition

Xinhua, September 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Zambian President Edgar Lungu started consulting his lawyers after the country's Constitutional Court failed to rule on a petition by the main opposition leader challenging his re-election within the stipulated time, the president's spokesman said on Saturday.

The Constitutional Court could not rule on the petition filed by main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema within the 14 day period stipulated in the Constitution on Friday, a move that has received mixed feelings.

The court had on Friday given the opposition leader who was defeated in the August 11 polls, only two hours to present his case, but his lawyers protested over the short period of time.

The opposition leader filed the petition on August 19 and the ruling could have been done on Friday but the court adjourned the matter to next week after the opposition leader asked for more time.

"Following the decision of the Constitutional Court on Friday, September 2016 to adjourn the presidential petition, His Excellency President Edgar Lungu is consulting his lawyers," presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda said in a statement.

Lungu has since called on ruling party supporters to remain calm and respect law and order, he added.

The statement further said the government will issue a statement next Monday on the direction. Endit