Political Career

Dr. Lungu's entry into politics began in 1996 when he stood as an independent candidate in the Chawama constituency during the general election. Although he was not successful in this first attempt, losing to Christon Tembo of the MMD, this experience marked the beginning of his political journey.

Following the formation of the United Party for National Development (UPND) in December 1998, Dr. Lungu joined the party, demonstrating his commitment to opposition politics and democratic participation. However, his political allegiances would continue to evolve as the Zambian political landscape changed.

In 2001, after the formation of the Patriotic Front (PF), Dr. Lungu made another significant political move by joining this new party. He again contested the Chawama constituency in the 2001 general election as the PF candidate, though he finished seventh out of eleven candidates with 2.43% of the vote.

Dr. Lungu's persistence in the Chawama constituency finally paid off in the 2011 general election when he won the parliamentary seat as the Patriotic Front candidate. This victory marked a significant milestone in his political career and opened the door to higher office.

The 2011 election was particularly significant as it brought the Patriotic Front to power under President Michael Sata, ending the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy's (MMD) long rule. Dr. Lungu's success was part of a broader wave of change that swept across Zambia.

After the PF's victory in 2011, Dr. Lungu was appointed as Junior Minister in the Vice-President's office, beginning his executive career. His performance in this role led to his promotion to Minister of Home Affairs on 9 July 2012, where he was responsible for internal security and immigration matters.

On 24 December 2013, following Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba's resignation, Dr. Lungu was appointed Minister of Defence. This role was particularly significant as it came during a period when President Sata's health was declining, and Dr. Lungu often functioned as Acting President during Sata's absences for medical treatment.

His most crucial appointment came on 28 August 2014, when he was named PF Secretary General and Minister of Justice, replacing Wynter Kabimba who had been dismissed. This dual role positioned him as one of the most powerful figures in the PF and the government.

The death of President Michael Sata on 28 October 2014 created a constitutional crisis and succession battle within the Patriotic Front. Dr. Lungu emerged as one of the leading contenders to succeed Sata, despite initial challenges from within his own party.

Acting President Guy Scott's dismissal of Dr. Lungu as PF Secretary General on 3 November 2014, followed by his reinstatement the next day, highlighted the internal party tensions. However, Dr. Lungu's political acumen and party support ultimately prevailed.

On 30 November 2014, Dr. Lungu was elected as President of the Patriotic Front at a national convention in Kabwe. Although the convention was unusual with no formal voting taking place, the unaccredited delegates elected him by raising hands, demonstrating his grassroots support.