The Patriotic Front has said it will proceed with its elective convention shortly after January 12, 2026, once pending court proceedings relating to the party’s leadership are concluded. PF acting presidentGiven Lubindasaid the party had deliberately tied the convention timeline to the outcome of legal matters scheduled for hearing between January 9 and January 12, describing the move as necessary to protect the legitimacy of the process. Lubinda said the PF had no intention of prolonging internal uncertainty beyond that period, adding that party structures were prepared to move forward regardless of the outcome of the court process.
He said the convention would be held to elect substantive leadership and stabilise the party ahead of the 2026 general election. According to Lubinda, the PF had opted to respect the judicial process while simultaneously setting a clear political deadline. He said the party would exhaust legal avenues available to it but would not allow litigation to paralyse organisational renewal.
He said preparations for the convention were already under way, with consultations taking place among party organs, including the central committee and the council of elders. Lubinda said the objective was to ensure that the convention strengthened unity rather than deepened divisions within the party. Lubinda acknowledged that the PF had experienced internal strain following the death of former presidentEdgar Chagwalungu Lungu, saying the party was navigating a transition period while also responding to external political pressure.
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He said the convention would provide an opportunity for members to choose leaders through established party procedures, adding that discipline and restraint were required from all aspiring candidates and their supporters. He said the PF remained committed to participating fully in the 2026 electoral process and was determined to present itself as a credible opposition force. Lubinda said clarity on leadership was essential for effective mobilisation and policy positioning.
The PF has faced prolonged internal disputes following its loss of power in 2021, with competing claims over leadership structures and legal challenges contributing to delays in holding an elective convention. Lubinda said the party’s decision to set a post-January 12 timeline signalled a turning point, adding that the PF would proceed to elect leadership under whatever political framework was available once the court process concluded.
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