Zambia's Constitutional Court Bars Edgar Lungu from 2026 Presidential Race

The court ruled that Lungu's partial term after President Sata's death counts toward the two-term limit, rendering him ineligible to run again.

Zambia's Constitutional Court ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for president in the 2026 election, citing the constitutional two-term limit.
Lungu's first term, served from 2015 to 2016 following the death of President Michael Sata, was deemed a full term by the court.
Lungu had announced his return to active politics last year and was selected as the opposition Tonse Alliance's candidate for the 2026 election.
The court's decision follows years of legal and political disputes over Lungu's eligibility, including his controversial clearance to run in the 2021 election.
Zambia's government welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its role in upholding constitutional limits and ensuring fair elections in 2026.