Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is barred from contesting the 2026 presidential election.
The court’s unanimous decision on Tuesday affirmed that Lungu has already served the maximum two terms in office.
Lungu served his first term from 2015 to 2016 after the death of President Michael Sata.
He was re-elected for a second term, which lasted from 2016 to 2021. This ruling means Lungu cannot stand for election again, a decision that is final.
The ruling carries significant weight in Zambian politics, as Lungu had announced his intent to challenge current President Hakainde Hichilema in the 2026 election.
The long-standing rivalry between the two leaders had made the case a subject of national scrutiny.
The ruling, issued by a seven-judge panel, was broadcast live across Zambia, drawing widespread attention.
Lungu had lost to Hichilema in the 2021 election, but the decision essentially renders his bid in that race invalid, as he had already reached his term limit.
The case has been marred by accusations of political interference. Hichilema’s administration faced criticism for dismissing three judges from the court who had ruled in Lungu’s favor previously.
In response, Lungu claimed that the court’s decision was influenced by “political manipulation.”
Lungu, 68, who faces ongoing corruption allegations, remains undeterred. His party’s vice president declared that Lungu would continue to campaign and remain the party’s presidential candidate for 2026.
As Zambia faces economic challenges, including a devastating drought and rising hunger, the political landscape is set for an intense future battle.