Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for re-election in 2026, affirming that he has already served the maximum two terms permitted by law.
The 68-year-old politician, who first assumed office in January 2015 after the death of President Michael Sata, had contested the ruling. Lungu served the remainder of Sata’s term, which was just over 20 months, and argued that this partial term should not count toward his total term limit. However, the court disagreed, overturning earlier rulings that had allowed him to run in the 2021 elections, when he lost to President Hakainde Hichilema.
“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,” the court ruled.
The ruling follows Lungu’s selection as the opposition Tonse Alliance’s presidential candidate for the 2026 election, aimed at challenging President Hichilema for the presidency. Lungu’s candidacy had been a point of contention, particularly after the government revoked his retirement benefits and privileges in a move that seemed to indicate a return to active politics.
As part of his efforts to rebuild his public profile, Lungu had been seen jogging in public, a gesture that was criticized by police as “political activism.” This move followed a period of political recovery after his presidency, which ended in 2021 following his defeat by Hichilema.
Lungu’s supporters were further angered in October when President Hichilema dismissed three top judges who had participated in a controversial ruling allowing Lungu to run for the presidency in 2021. The government defended the dismissals, stating that they were based on a recommendation from the Judicial Complaints Commission due to alleged judicial misconduct.
In response to the court’s decision, Lungu accepted the ruling but expressed disappointment, claiming that the verdict was politically motivated. “It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence, the weakening of our democratic foundations, and the weaponisation of our institutions for short-term gain,” Lungu posted on social media.
He continued, “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 Zambian government welcomed the court’s decision, which brings an end to a lengthy 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,” said Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha in a statement.
The case stems from changes made to the constitution following Sata’s death. These amendments stipulated that the vice president would automatically assume office if the sitting president dies, further altering the political landscape in Zambia.
