Lydia Tembo
Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) members are outraged over President Jervis Zimba’s decision to cancel elections at the upcoming congress on November 7, 2024.
Kaoma District Farmer Union Member Joseph Mungandi says it’s “gravely concerning” that no elections are scheduled for the ZNFU President, despite the current president serving the maximum two terms. 
Mungandi argues that, according to the ZNFU constitution, elections for a new president are due and must be held during the congress.
The current president’s first term (2018-2021) and second term (2022-2024) have expired.
“Having been elected following the ZNFU Constitutional amendment of 2018, the current ZNFU President served and held office for his first three-year term between 2018 and 2021 Annual Congress and served his second and last term between 2022 and 2024.” Said Mungandi.
Zimba claims his first term was invalid due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but members reject this argument, citing no constitutional provisions for such maneuvers.
They demand elections at the general conference in Lusaka.
Past controversies surrounding Zimba a known Edgar Lungu surrogate include a 2018 court case for unpaid rental arrears. He wants to use the union to campaign for his friend Edgar Lungu who is fighting a political comeback.
