In a landmark ruling, Zambia’s Constitutional Court has officially barred former President Edgar Lungu from seeking a third term in office. This decision follows Lungu’s announcement last year of his return to active politics, reigniting debates about presidential term limits in the southern African nation.
The court determined that Lungu’s initial term, served between 2015 and 2016 after the death of then-President Michael Sata, qualifies as a full presidential term. This interpretation effectively disqualifies him from running for office again under Zambia’s constitutional two-term limit.
Lungu, now 68, has criticized the verdict, alleging political interference in the judicial process. In a statement issued on Tuesday, he described the court’s decision as being driven by “the hands of political manipulation.”
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The ruling also comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Lungu’s tenure. During his time in office, he faced allegations of corruption, and several of his family members, including his wife, are currently battling graft charges in court. Lungu maintains that these accusations are part of a coordinated effort to prevent him from returning to power.
Despite the court’s decision, Lungu’s party appears undeterred. The vice president of the Patriotic Front (PF) affirmed the former leader’s continued influence, stating that Lungu is “not concerned” by the ruling and remains committed to campaigning for the presidency in 2026.
This development marks a significant moment in Zambia’s political landscape, reaffirming the Constitutional Court’s role in upholding the nation’s democratic principles while sparking broader discussions about leadership accountability and the boundaries of political ambition.
