Zambian President to Give Up 3rd Term Bid

Zambian President Frederick Chiluba said in a television speech on Friday night he will not seek the third term endorsed by his party at a national convention last week.

"I will leave office at the end of my term. Let's take national interests into consideration. This is in the best interest of the nation," Chiluba said.

Chiluba's ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy voted on Monday to amend the party constitution to allow him to seek a third five-year term.

The Zambian constitution allows a maximum of two presidential terms, and would have had to be amended in a separate parliamentary process.

Chiluba's previous plan to seek a third term had split the ruling party and caused opposition by students, non-government organizations and other social sectors.






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