The Constitutional Court of Zambia has formally barred former President Edgar Lungu from running for re-election in 2026, citing his prior two presidential terms as a disqualifying factor. Lungu’s argument regarding his initial term’s validity was rejected by the court, which reinforced the need for legal clarity in upcoming elections, to uphold democratic standards. The ruling is welcomed by the current administration, paving the way for future electoral processes.
Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for re-election in the upcoming 2026 presidential elections. The court concluded that Lungu, who served as president for two terms, had exhausted the constitutional limit on presidential terms. Lungu’s contention that his initial election in January 2015 did not count towards this limit was deemed invalid by the court, which reverted previous allowances made for his candidacy during the 2021 elections. Consequently, the court stated substantial legal clarity regarding Lungu’s disqualification as a presidential candidate in all future elections. This ruling fosters an environment of democratic integrity as Zambia proceeds towards the next electoral process, according to Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha.
The context for this ruling stems from Zambia’s constitutional provisions, which limit presidential service to two terms, regardless of the duration of each term. Edgar Lungu’s political career began following the demise of President Michael Sata in October 2014, after which he was elected to complete the remaining months of Sata’s term. Following his consecutive elections, amendments to the constitution said that an incumbent vice president would assume office if a sitting president passes away, underscoring the significance of Lungu’s presidency in Zambia’s political evolution. The recent court ruling reinstates constitutional order and clarifies Lungu’s status within that framework.
In conclusion, the Constitutional Court’s decision effectively precludes Edgar Lungu from participating as a candidate in future presidential elections, emphasizing adherence to constitutional limits regarding presidential terms. This ruling signifies a critical moment for Zambia, reaffirming the legal frameworks that govern democratic processes within the nation. It reflects a commitment to uphold electoral integrity and paves the way for fair and competitive elections in 2026.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
