Linda Kasonde and two other lawyers demand Law Association meeting to defend the two-term limit

Three lawyers, among them former Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Linda Kasonde, have formally asked the association to call an extraordinary meeting to reaffirm the two-term limit on the presidency and to oppose any move to remove it. The requisition is dated 3 November and was stamped as received by the LAZ Secretariat the same day. It is signed by Ms Kasonde, who is Executive Director of Chapter One Foundation, and by Josiah Kalala and Henry Mulenga. Addressed to the association's Honorary Secretary, it relies on Rule 10(2) of the LAZ Rules and asks the Council to announce a date, time and venue for the meeting within seven days. ## What the lawyers want members to vote on They propose four resolutions. The first is to keep a maximum of two five-year terms. The second is to oppose removing the limit or extending a term beyond five years. The third is to oppose applying any such change to a sitting president. The fourth is to make the association's position public and take the steps needed to defend it, including advocacy and going to court. The three point to 2001, when LAZ worked through the Oasis Forum against then President Frederick Chiluba's bid for a third term. They call that stand "central to the defence of constitutionalism in Zambia" and write: "Given its history, the Association should not remain silent." They also note that the Mvunga, Mwanakatwe and Mung'omba commissions and the 2011 Technical Committee all recommended two five-year terms. ## Calls going the other way The request comes as calls to remove the limit grow. In Bweengwa, Monze District, Senior Headman Moompo Joseph Moompo spoke for residents at a football tournament in the Nalutanda area and asked their MP, Micheelo Kasauta, to take the matter to Parliament. Mr Kasauta backed the request and promised to present it, arguing that changes of leader bring new priorities that stall projects and waste money already spent. ## Background The Constitution limits a president to two