Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for the presidency in 2026, affirming the constitutional limit of two presidential terms. The ruling, delivered on December 11, 2024, declared that Lungu, who served from 2015 to 2021, has already reached the maximum terms allowed under Zambia’s Constitution.
Lungu, who first assumed the presidency in 2015 following the death of President Michael Sata, was elected for a full second term in 2016. However, the court firmly rejected Lungu’s argument that his first term should not be full. This legal contention arose from Lungu’s claim that his initial term, which lasted from January 25, 2015, to September 13, 2016, was incomplete and should not be considered in the tally of his presidential terms.
Despite Lungu’s challenges to the court’s decision, including accusations of political manipulation, the ruling emphasized the constitutional provision that limits a president to two terms. The court clarified that his second term, from September 13, 2016, to August 2021, constituted his second and final term, making him ineligible for any future presidential elections.
Zambia’s Constitution states that the presidential term lasts for five years, and any individual who has served two terms is not eligible to run for the office again. The court’s verdict has set a firm precedent for upholding democratic principles, ensuring that electoral fairness is maintained.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions across the nation. While the government has expressed its support for the decision, framing it as a victory for democracy, Lungu’s camp has vowed to challenge the ruling in international courts. Lungu’s supporters argue that his disqualification could be politically motivated, and they continue to advocate for his return to the political spotlight.
This landmark decision comes after Lungu lost the 2021 election to current President Hakainde Hichilema. As Zambia moves toward the 2026 elections, this ruling will have profound implications for the country’s political landscape. It is a critical moment for the nation as it navigates its democratic processes while balancing the influence of past leaders with the demands of a new generation of leadership.
