Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Lungu’s Plan B: The Enigma That Will Redefine Zambia’s Democracy

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Lungu’s Plan B: The Enigma That Will Redefine Zambia’s Democracy
By Dr Mwelwa
The recent decision by Zambia’s Constitutional Court to bar Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting in future elections marks a significant moment in the nation’s political history. For critics of Lungu, this ruling might seem like the closing chapter of a political career they have long sought to end. Yet for others, the judgment represents a troubling precedent, raising questions about the independence of institutions and the resilience of Zambia’s democracy. Regardless of where one stands, the implications of this decision extend far beyond the individual; they touch the very fabric of the nation’s democratic foundations.

This ruling is not merely a legal determination; it is a political flashpoint that has revealed the deep fault lines within Zambia’s governance structures. Whether one views Lungu as a polarizing figure or a champion of democracy, there is no denying that this moment reflects the fragility of institutions under the strain of partisan influence. But even as some celebrate and others mourn, a new narrative is emerging one centered on what Lungu has called “Plan B.”

What is Plan B? This is the question that now grips the nation. For Lungu’s critics, it is a source of unease, a reminder that he may not be as politically sidelined as they hoped. For his supporters, it is a rallying cry, a symbol of resilience in the face of what they perceive as systemic injustice. Yet its true nature remains shrouded in mystery, an enigma that both unsettles and inspires.

The court’s ruling has, inadvertently, done more than disqualify Lungu—it has galvanized a movement. Plan B, whatever it may be, is not simply a reaction to the judgment; it is a calculated response designed to challenge the status quo. Those familiar with the principles of political strategy understand that the power of such a plan lies in its ability to remain undefined. By its very ambiguity, Plan B forces both allies and adversaries to grapple with the unknown, creating a strategic advantage that cannot be easily countered.

For critics, this ambiguity is precisely what makes Plan B so unsettling. Is it a legal challenge aimed at reversing the court’s decision? A grassroots mobilization to reshape the political landscape? A new alliance that will upend the existing balance of power? Or is it something entirely different—a strategy that defies conventional political playbooks? The ruling elite, particularly those aligned with the United Party for National Development (UPND), must now contend with these uncertainties, unable to predict or preempt a plan they cannot fully comprehend.

Yet, for all its mystery, Plan B is not just a strategy it is a statement. It speaks to the enduring belief that democracy is not the property of a select few but the birthright of every Zambian. The court’s ruling, whether viewed as a victory for justice or a blow to democracy, has set the stage for a broader reckoning. Plan B is not about one man’s political ambitions; it is about reclaiming the principles that underpin the nation’s governance.

As Zambians reflect on this moment, the questions surrounding Plan B will continue to grow. Will it succeed in challenging the political establishment? Can it restore faith in institutions that many believe have been compromised? And, perhaps most intriguingly, what role will ordinary citizens play in shaping its outcome?

For now, Plan B remains an enigma a source of both intrigue and suspense. Its success will depend not only on its execution but also on its ability to inspire a nation. And as the UPND and its allies grapple with the implications of their victory in court, they must also reckon with the possibility that they have underestimated their adversary. For in their effort to neutralize Lungu, they may have inadvertently ignited a movement that transcends him.

The story of Plan B is still being written. Whether it becomes a footnote in Zambia’s political history or a defining chapter remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the questions it raises and the challenges it poses will shape the nation’s democratic journey for years to come.

27 COMMENTS

  1. Lungu is lucky that he is in an environment of HH. I can assure you after the ruling in other countries ECL tail would have been cut to the shortest length BUT still has the guts to shout on top of his voice EVEN threatening the government in power. ….imwe can you do that under M7’s nose? THEN YOU SAY THERE IS NO DEMOCRACY? Really?

    Sometimes accept that the environment is conducive.

    I can imagine if it was ECL in power and HH looses in ConCourt judgement?

    Kaya!…where HH could be and if he said he has plan B straight ku Jele and Languish there for ever!

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    • Even under ECL, HH dared the government including claiming to have been receiving Intelligence briefing reports ahead of the President! That is espionage for which HH could have gone and disqualified from holding public office! Democracy didn’t come with HH but it is indeed under strain under HH!!

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  2. The conspicuous absence of comments to this article bears witness to the core of its logic, whether you are mourning or celebrating the ruling.

  3. Plan B is yet to be defined so why waste time on speculation
    Lets discuss the critical power shortage and extended load shedding
    or perhaps running around looking for fuel ..
    or with christmas approaching the increase of white line monitors, some only a km apart
    Talk about making hay while the sun shines 🙂

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    • He’s just playing on their minds and as expected they have all gone into panic mode. What else can Lungu do… nothing but maybe endorsing and supporting another candidate. Knowing Upnd, they are all thinking of how to exterminate the non existent Plan B.

  4. During altercation in the Western Province during kuoboka ceremony, it was Lungu who was wrong by leaving his official route and then followed the opposition HH’ route and over took HH convoy. It now Time to subtract biological immunity from his adaptive immune response, being the main cells responsible for humoral immunity.

  5. Why insist on the words “bar”, “block” etc – the Concourt RULED him ineligible, mulebako nensoni, eish!!

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  6. Dr Mwelwa fails to state that this ruling not only affects Lungu, but anyone who has or will be sworn in twice and served twice.
    Nothing personal but a matter of the law.
    Lets learn to be objective and stop spining issues to create a narrative that isnt there.
    What a pathetic article

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    • “Lungus’ Plan B:The Enigma that will redefine Zambia’s Democracy” Then you go to essentially state that you actually do not know what it is! What nonsense.

  7. Whatever his plan B is. It should be within the law, not ifya “gassing” nobupuba.
    Am not politically affiliated. Yet I stand on a point that lungu era was a dangerous one, giving him another chance, Zambia will be a failed state

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  8. Chagwa agwa kwamana! His political career is dead, it will take an act of heavenly intervention, resurrection itself, to bring it back among the living. As his mbuyas would say, “lekeni lunye lwakwa Noah nomba”, the kleptomaniac stinking alcoholic is a gonna, kufelile ka kayonge ka kasiyale!

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    • That’s how we celebrated when KK was ruled out on similar lines. Wouldn’t you have loved to see him walloped at the polls?

  9. Chagwa agwa kwamana! His political career is dead, it will take an act of heavenly intervention, resurrection itself, to bring it back among the living. As his mbuyas would say, “lekeni lunye lwakwa Noah nomba”, the kleptomaniac stinking alcoholic is a gonna, kufelile ka kayonge ka kasiyale!!!!

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  10. Mr lungus supporters are making him think he is the alpha and omega of Zambian politics………..

    Zambians are tired of your charde and just want to get on with awork around this drought………

    You have had your time, sir……….

    Move on, it’s time for a new generation of leaders……..

    FWD2031

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  11. Plan B, third term, we’ve heard these terms before, it won’t work!!

    Ba ECL you had your time and made your contribution, move on to something else, there’s life after the presidency…

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  12. I heard someone challenging ECL to discuss what his Plan B actually is. Why should he be asked to explain it if he chooses it to be unrevealed until when he feels like sharing. Sometimes it pays if you don’t reveal your hand in a poker game.

  13. I have always wondered what other see in ECL to try to bring him back. Let the Clergy particularly those he was giving brown envelops counsel the poor man. KK fell and never bounced back even when the man was an outstanding leader. FTJ wanted to bounce back after his failed third term. It did not work. So does ECL come close to these leaders. My answer is a big NO. So why does he even think of returning to power.

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  14. The thing is that Zambians want ECL to stand. The current govt is dividing Zambians instead of bringing people together. People are being denied the right to participate in the democratic processes, freedom of speech is gone, part of the population are being starved while others have food security(Go to Choma to prove me wrong), electricity and jobs are being exported away as we speak, religious freedom is gone, etc. Zambians should get their country back!!

  15. Lungu should thank his lucky stars the judgement went against him. If it had been in his favour then his immunity would have been lifted by parliament and he would have been in prison. At least like this he is still a free man.

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