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Edgar Lungu

Edgar Lungu is a Zambian politician who served as the sixth president of Zambia from January 26, 2015, to August 24, 2021. Prior to his presidency, Lungu held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence, under President Michael Sata. After Sata's death in October 2014, Lungu was selected as the Patriotic Front's candidate for the January 2015 presidential by-election, where he narrowly defeated opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

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EDGAR LUNGU

Edgar Lungu, born on November 11, 1956, in Ndola, Zambia, began his educational journey at the University of Zambia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1981. Following his studies, he embarked on a legal career at Andrea Masiye and Company, a law firm based in Lusaka. Lungu later underwent military officer training at Miltez in Kabwe, under the Zambia National Service, before returning to practice law. His legal career faced a setback in 2010 when the Law Association of Zambia suspended his law practicing license due to professional misconduct.

Lungu's political journey began after the Patriotic Front (PF) party won the elections in 2011, leading to his appointment as Junior Minister in the Vice-President's office. He quickly ascended the political ladder, becoming the Minister of Home Affairs in July 2012 and later the Minister of Defence in December 2013. During President Michael Sata's illness from 2013 to 2014, Lungu acted as President, holding significant responsibilities in the country’s leadership.

As the political landscape shifted following Sata's death in October 2014, Lungu became a prominent candidate for the presidency. After a brief dismissal from his role as Secretary-General of the PF, he was reinstated and elected president of the party at a national convention in Kabwe, Zambia. On January 20, 2015, he contested in a presidential by-election, securing victory against Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development with a narrow margin.

Lungu was sworn in as President of Zambia on January 26, 2015. During his interim presidency, he made significant moves, including the appointment of Zambia's first female Vice-President, Inonge Wina, and the commutation of death sentences for 332 prisoners, emphasizing the need for reform in the penal system. He also initiated a national day of prayer in October 2015, aimed at addressing the nation’s economic challenges.

In the August 2016 presidential elections, Lungu faced Hichilema once again, winning with 50.32% of the vote. However, his second term was marked by controversy, including criticisms of his administration's stance on media freedoms and human rights. Lungu’s government also faced scrutiny regarding his anti-LGBT remarks in December 2019, which drew both national and international criticism.

In the August 2021 general elections, Lungu ran for re-election but was defeated by Hichilema, leading to his concession. Following his presidency, he faced legal challenges, including a police search of his residence related to his wife's suspicious vehicle ownership. In October 2023, Lungu announced his return to active politics, reclaiming leadership of the Patriotic Front amidst internal disputes within the party.


Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Lungu

GOVERNING TIME LINE

Guy Scott assumed office as the acting President of Zambia on October 28, 2014, following the death of President Michael Sata. He served until January 24, 2015, when he stepped down to facilitate new elections, as mandated by the constitution. Scott was succeeded by Edgar Lungu after the presidential election held on January 20, 2015.

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