The Constitutional Court of Zambia has ruled that former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is ineligible to contest in the country’s 2026 general elections or any future presidential elections. The landmark decision was delivered today in Lusaka by Justice Mweetwa Shilimi, bringing an end to the legal dispute over Lungu’s eligibility.
The case was initiated by youth activist Michelo Chizombe, who petitioned the court to interpret the constitutional provisions regarding presidential term limits. Chizombe argued that Lungu, who has already served two terms as president, should be disqualified from standing in future elections in line with Zambia’s constitutional term limits.
In his ruling, Justice Shilimi affirmed that Lungu had indeed completed two terms in office, rendering him constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. The judge emphasized that the Zambian Constitution unequivocally limits a president to two terms, irrespective of circumstances surrounding their time in office.
Lungu first assumed the presidency in January 2015 following the death of President Michael Sata. He completed the remainder of Sata’s term before securing his own five-year mandate in the 2016 general election. His tenure as Zambia’s sixth president ended in August 2021 when he was defeated by Hakainde Hichilema in the elections.
Despite stepping down, Lungu expressed an interest in returning to politics, hoping to stand as a candidate in the 2026 elections. However, today’s ruling dashes those ambitions and solidifies Zambia’s adherence to constitutional term limits.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the ruling emphasize the importance of upholding constitutional principles and preventing extended rule by individuals. Critics, particularly those loyal to Lungu, have argued that the ruling does not take into account the unique circumstances under which he assumed office in 2015.
This judgment sets a precedent in Zambia’s legal and political landscape, reinforcing the rule of law and affirming the supremacy of the constitution in governance matters.