Zambian Court Bars Former President Edgar Lungu from 2026 Elections
Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to contest the 2026 presidential election, citing constitutional term limits. The court’s decision, announced this week, puts an end to a protracted legal battle over Lungu’s eligibility.
The court determined that Lungu, 68, had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law. He initially assumed office in January 2015, completing the late President Michael Sata’s term after his death in October 2014. Lungu was re-elected in 2016 for what he argued should be considered his first full term, contending that the earlier 20 months did not constitute a complete term.
However, the court rejected this argument, reversing earlier rulings that had permitted Lungu to stand in the 2021 elections.
Lungu expressed disappointment with the verdict, describing it as politically motivated and a reflection of diminished judicial independence. “It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence, the weakening of our democratic foundations, and the weaponization of our institutions for short-term gain,” he wrote on social media. Despite this, he said he accepted the ruling, adding that it has fueled his hope for a democratic victory in 2026.
The government, however, praised the court’s decision as a critical step toward preserving Zambia’s democratic integrity. Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha welcomed the clarity it provides, stating, “This decision safeguards our democracy, allowing us to look forward to free, fair, and competitive elections in 2026.”
The controversy surrounding Lungu’s eligibility has been a focal point of Zambian politics. Following President Sata’s death, constitutional reforms were introduced to automatically transfer power to the vice president in the event of a sitting president’s death, a provision that has since shaped the country’s political landscape.
