Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that former President Edgar Lungu was barred from contesting the 2026 election because he has already served the maximum two terms. The court ruled that Lungu’s period as president of the southern African nation between 2015 and 2016 after Michael Sata died in office counted as a full term.
Zambia ’s President Edgar Chagwa Lungu addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 25, 2019. LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia ’s Constitutional Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that former President Edgar Lungu was barred from contesting the 2026 election because he has already served the maximum two terms.between 2015 and 2016 after Michael Sata died in office counted as a full term. Lungu won election for a second term from 2016 to 2021.
Lungu announced a political comeback last year and aimed to challenge current President Hakainde Hichilema in the next general election. Their rivalry meant the court case drew widespread attention in Zambia, and the ruling by a seven-judge panel was broadcast live on state television and radio. Lungu lost to Hichilema in the 2021 election. Tuesday’s ruling effectively meant he shouldn’t have been able to run in that election.
The case has been entangled in allegations of judicial interference after Hichilema fired three judges from the court who had ruled in Lungu’s favor in a previous case related to the 2016 election.Chinese gold mining threatens a protected UN heritage site in CongoThe vice president of Lungu’s party asserted that the former leader was “not concerned” by the court decision and would continue to campaign and be the party’s presidential candidate in 2026.
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