Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to contest the 2026 presidential election, citing the constitutional two-term limit.
Lungu, 68, first assumed office in January 2015 to complete the remaining 20 months of late President Michael Sata’s term, following Sata’s death in October 2014. He argued that his initial term should not be counted as it was less than five years.
However, the court rejected this claim, overturning previous rulings that had allowed Lungu to contest the 2021 election, where he was defeated by current 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.
Last month, Zambia’s opposition Tonse Alliance selected former President Edgar Lungu as its candidate for the 2026 presidential election to challenge incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema.
This decision came a year after the government revoked Lungu’s retirement benefits and privileges, citing his return to active politics. Lungu had sought to boost his public image by engaging in public jogging sessions with supporters, an activity the police labeled as “political activism.”
In October, tensions escalated when President Hichilema dismissed three top judges involved in the contentious 2021 ruling that allowed Lungu to run for re-election. The presidency defended the move, stating it followed a Judicial Complaints Commission recommendation citing allegations of judicial misconduct.
Following the Constitutional Court’s recent decision barring him from contesting in 2026, Lungu expressed acceptance of the ruling but accused the process of being influenced by “political manipulation.”
“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 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.
After Sata’s death and Lungu’s initial e,lection, the constitution was amended to mandate that the vice president automatically assumes office in the event of a sitting president’s death.