Gully Foyle's African News Thread

[Famous Mortimer]

Why was that amendment passed? 1996 was also the year Scott, popular Minister of Agriculture at the time, quit the ruling party to join the opposition. It seems likely it must have been targeted at him personally, therefore, by virtue of author intent, he clearly isn't eligible. Then again, the Court might just fudge the meaning because it's a crappy law and Scott is well regarded. Or I suppose it's even possible the law was targeted at someone else. But who?

Also, although it's not clear if Scott can be actual president, he can be and IS acting president.

Zambia's head of state is definitely a White guy right now. He just doesn't hold the official title of president.

[Famous Mortimer]

Alright, he is for now but this says he is supposed to hand over power to Scott:

https://www.zambianwatchdog.com/scott-to-take-over-as-president/

and this interview explicitly says that although he isn't allowed to be president, he is allowed to be caretaker president:

http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/7699583/dr-scott-i-presume/

[Famous Mortimer]

Who becomes president under the constitution? I would assume it's the head of the parliament, that's usually the way it works. That would be someone from the Compaore's party. Military seems better. Although there was also talk of appointing some old defense minister who led a failed coup. That also seems extra-constitutional and kind of military-tinged.

[Famous Mortimer]

He wrote the damn constitution. He abolished the run-off for himself. Why the hell did he put a term limit in there? African dictators always do that. Seriously. Why? Stop it.