[Kenyan Supreme Court in session. Zambian President Edgar Lungu has warned the country’s courts against emulating Kenyan judges. Photo/Nation]
President Edgar Lungu has warned Zambian judiciary against being 'copycats' of Kenyan Supreme Court as the judges, reports BBC Africa.
For the first time in Africa, an apex court nullified victory of a sitting president as Kenya entered historical books for being the fourth in the world for such a landmark ruling.
Lungu, who was elected after the death of Michael Sata in 2015, was again reelected in 2016. is said to be preparing for 2021 challenge, despite the constitution allowing a maximum of two terms.
But the move may counter serious legal challenges with the High Court expected to rule on constitutionality as teh opposition team plan to take him to court.
"Don't become a copycat and think that you are a hero if you plunge the country into chaos," he said.
"People are saying Zambian courts should emulate Kenyan courts but look at what is happening in that country," he said.
Lungu further said: " Whether I am eligible to stand or not in 2021,should not be dependent on Kenyan case."
In Liberia, already the country's Supreme Court has halted Presidential runoff elections that were scheduled on Tuesday over alleged massive fraud in October 10 elections.
The case was filed by Charles Brumskine who finished third behind Vice President Joseph Boakai and former soccer player George Weah.
In September, Kenyan Supreme Court nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory on grounds that IEBC committed certain illegalities and irregularities during the August polls.
But the unprecedented withdrawal from the repeat poll by opposition leader Raila Odinga ignited chaos across the country as the opposition called for changes in the electoral body.