Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for re-election in 2026, citing constitutional term limits. The court determined that the 68-year-old leader has already served the maximum two terms allowed under the country’s laws, closing the door on his bid to challenge the current administration.
Lungu, who first assumed office in January 2015 after the death of President Michael Sata, served the remainder of his predecessor’s term before securing a full term in 2016. However, his attempt to discount his initial 20 months in office as a full term was rejected by the court. This ruling overturns earlier decisions that had cleared him to stand in the 2021 election, where he lost to President Hakainde Hichilema.
The court clarified its stance, stating, “Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has therefore been twice elected and has twice held office. The constitution makes him ineligible to participate in any future elections as a presidential candidate.”
Lungu’s political resurgence began when the opposition Tonse Alliance nominated him as their presidential candidate for the 2026 election. This decision followed the government’s withdrawal of his retirement benefits and privileges in response to his return to active politics. In recent months, Lungu had worked to rebuild his public image, including participating in public jogging events with supporters—a move police described as “political activism.”
The court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions. Lungu expressed disappointment but said he was not surprised, alleging political interference in the judiciary. “It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence and the weaponisation of institutions for short-term gain,” he commented on social media. He pledged to remain politically active, expressing confidence in a democratic victory for his party in 2026.
The government, however, welcomed the ruling as a step toward safeguarding democracy. Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha stated, “This decision provides legal clarity for citizens and safeguards our democracy, allowing us to look forward to free, fair, and competitive elections in 2026.”
This ruling concludes a protracted legal battle that has been at the center of Zambia’s political landscape. It also reflects broader reforms, including constitutional amendments made after Sata’s death, ensuring that the vice president automatically assumes office if a sitting president passes away.
As Zambia moves closer to its next election cycle, the focus now shifts to who will emerge as the key contenders in 2026, with Lungu officially out of the race.
