Zambia’s Constitutional Court has officially barred ex-President Edgar Lungu from competing in the 2026 elections, reinforcing that he has already fulfilled the constitutional limit of two presidential terms. This decision concludes ongoing legal disputes regarding Lungu’s political future and establishes clarity for upcoming electoral proceedings under the current administration’s oversight.
Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to stand for re-election in 2026, citing that he has already served the maximum of two terms as per the nation’s laws. Lungu’s political career began when he was elected president in January 2015, following the death of his predecessor, Michael Sata. Although Lungu contended that his initial term did not constitute a full five-year period, the court disagreed, emphasizing that he has been elected twice and, therefore, cannot participate in future presidential elections. This ruling reaffirms a previous decision allowing Lungu to run in 2021, which had faced considerable controversy.
Recently, following his designation as a candidate by the opposition Tonse Alliance for the upcoming 2026 election, Lungu had been attempting to revive his public image through engaging with the public, an activity characterized as “political activism” by authorities. Tensions escalated when President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed three judges involved in a former ruling that permitted Lungu to compete in the last election, a move defended by Hichilema based on judicial misconduct allegations. The Attorney General welcomed the court’s decision, highlighting the need for legal clarity and the promotion of democracy ahead of future elections.
This legal battle concerning former President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility arose following constitutional amendments enacted after the death of President Sata, which altered provisions regarding the succession of office. Lungu’s two terms as president, despite some debate over his first term, were conclusively deemed by the Constitutional Court to meet the constitutional limit for presidential candidacy. The landscape of Zambian politics remains dynamic as competing parties adjust their strategies in light of these judicial rulings, the actions of the current administration, and the historical context shaping their electoral processes.
In summary, the Constitutional Court has definitively ruled that Edgar Lungu cannot seek the presidency again due to having completed the maximum allowable terms stipulated in the Constitution. This verdict underscores the court’s role in ensuring adherence to legal frameworks governing electoral politics in Zambia, setting a crucial precedent as the nation prepares for competitive elections in 2026. Furthermore, the implications of this ruling could influence the strategies of political parties and the overall democratic landscape in Zambia.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
