Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Must Face Full Trial to Determine Eligibility for 2026 Presidential Elections
The Constitutional Court of Zambia has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu’s eligibility to run in the 2026 presidential elections hinges on a full trial.
Lungu, who seeks to contest again, hoped to avoid prolonged legal proceedings. However, youth activist Michelo Chizombe argues that Lungu has already served his term limit and cannot stand for office again.
Lungu, affiliated with the Patriotic Front (PF), served as Zambia’s president from January 2015 until August 2021, when he lost to Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
Lungu has been actively involved in reclaiming leadership of the PF, a move seen as strategic for his presidential ambitions.
Chizombe contends that Lungu’s tenure, which began after the death of President Michael Sata in 2014, including his subsequent election and swearing-in, constitutes a full term. Lungu argues that he inherited Sata’s term and should not be bound by term limits.
Ahead of the 2021 elections, several political parties petitioned the Constitutional Court to allow Lungu to run, citing his status as the “sixth” Zambian president and excluding Vice-President Guy Scott’s interim term.
Following arguments from both sides, the Constitutional Court has decided to proceed with a full trial to resolve the matter, with costs to be borne by each party involved.