Zambian president says declaring re-election intention to stop in-party jostling

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Friday said he declared his intention to seek re-election in 2021 as some people within the ruling party started positioning themselves to take over from him.

Lungu's decision to seek re-election during the 2021 general elections has sparked debate in the southern African nation, with stakeholders divided on whether he was eligible or not.

While some have said he was not eligible as he has served two terms in office according to the constitution, others argue he only served one term as his first time in office in 2015 was to finish late President Michael Sata's term.

Lungu told reporters before his departure for Ghana, where he will attend the inauguration of President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo, that there were some people within the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) who have been going around positioning themselves as presidential candidates.

"It is my right to contest and if my party endorses my candidature then I will be available. It is no time to worry about 2021 but I wanted to put this matter to rest because some people were jostling to position themselves as candidates," he said.

Lungu first became president in 2015 after winning an election called to replace late President Sata. He then emerged winner of the elections held in August 2016.

Zambia's constitution has a two-term limit for the president.

Zambia was embroiled in a third-term debate in 2001 when late President Frederick Chiluba attempted to amend the constitution to run for a third term but was later rescinded the decisions amid a barrage of local and international condemnation.

Meanwhile, Lungu said he would take advantage of his visit to Ghana to activate bilateral relations with that country.

He said he would use his time in Ghana to see if a joint permanent commission agreed between the two countries could be revived, adding that Ghana was a very important partner in Africa. Endit