Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to stand for re-election in 2026, citing constitutional limits on presidential terms.
The court determined that Lungu, 68, has already served the maximum two terms allowed by law.
Lungu first assumed office in January 2015, completing the remaining 20 months of late President Michael Sata’s term after his death in October 2014.
He later won re-election in 2016. Lungu argued that his first term should not count as it was not a full five-year term, but the court dismissed this claim, overturning earlier rulings that had permitted him to run in 2021.
At the time the presidency defended the dismissals saying Hichilema was bound by the decision of the Judicial Complaints Commission that had determined the judges should be removed following allegations of judicial misconduct.
Lungu said he accepted the Constitutional Court’s verdict, which he said did not come as a surprise as it had been steered by “the hands of political manipulation”.
“It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence, the weakening of our democratic foundations, and the weaponisation of our institutions for short-term gain,” he posted on social media.
“I am filled not with bitterness but with renewed determination, political hope and faith that democracy, not court politics shall certainly win in 2026 without any doubt.”
The government welcomed the ruling, which puts an end to what has been a long-running legal battle.
“This decision provides legal clarity for citizens and safeguards our democracy, allowing us to look forward to free, fair and competitive elections in 2026,” Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said in a statement.
Following Sata’s death and Lungu’s first election, the constitution was amended so that the vice-president automatically takes office if a sitting president dies.
BBC/ Patience Ameh
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