Zambia’s Former President Lungu Deemed Ineligible for 2026 Re-election Bid

Zambia’s highest judicial body has prohibited former President Edgar Lungu from contesting the 2026 presidential election. The Constitutional Court determined that the 68-year-old political figure had already completed the two-term limit stipulated by legislation. Mr. Lungu initially assumed the presidency in January 2015, filling the unexpired 20-month portion of his predecessor’s tenure. President Michael Sata had passed away while in office in October 2014. Mr. Lungu had contended that this period should not be counted towards the limit because he did not complete a full five-year term. However, the court rejected this argument, overturning prior judgments that had permitted him to run three years earlier when he was defeated by 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 declared. In the previous month, the opposition Tonse Alliance had selected Mr. Lungu as its presidential nominee for the 2026 election, aiming to contest against President Hichilema. The alliance’s selection of Mr. Lungu occurred one year after the Zambian government rescinded his retirement benefits and entitlements, subsequent to his choice to re-engage in active political life. In an attempt to boost his public image, Mr. Lungu had begun public jogging sessions accompanied by ordinary citizens and his supporters, an activity that law enforcement labeled “political activism.” President Hichilema dismissed three senior judges in October, a decision that provoked anger among Mr. Lungu’s supporters. These judges had participated in the contentious judgment that had permitted Mr. Lungu to run in the 2021 elections. The presidency, at that time, defended these dismissals, stating that President Hichilema was obligated by the Judicial Complaints Commission’s determination that the judges ought to be removed subsequent to accusations of judicial misconduct. Mr. Lungu stated his acceptance of the Constitutional Court’s decision, which he indicated was not unexpected, asserting it had been guided by “the hands of political manipulation.” “It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence, the weakening of our democratic foundations, and the weaponisation of our institutions for short-term gain,” he shared 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 expressed approval of the judgment, which concludes what has been an extended legal dispute. “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 declared in an official statement. Subsequent to President Sata’s demise and Mr. Lungu’s initial election, the constitution underwent an amendment ensuring that the vice-president automatically assumes office should a sitting president pass away. For additional news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Connect with us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Learn more about our policy regarding external linking.