Lusaka: Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to contest future presidential elections, citing constitutional term limits. The decision follows Lungu’s announcement last year of his return to active politics.
Constitutional Limits
The court determined that Lungu’s first term, served from 2015 to 2016 after the death of then-President Michael Sata, constitutes a full term under the Zambian Constitution. His second term, from September 2016 to August 2021, concluded with his defeat to current President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development in the 2021 elections.
“The first respondent, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has therefore been twice elected and has twice held office,” the court declared. “The constitution makes the first respondent ineligible to participate in any future elections as a presidential candidate.”
Lungu’s Attempted Political Comeback
Lungu, a member of the Patriotic Front (PF), hinted at a return to politics during a memorial service for Michael Sata in October 2023. His comeback announcement coincided with the arrests of several of his family members, including his wife, on allegations of possessing the proceeds of crime.
Despite the ruling, Lungu was notably absent from the heavily guarded court session.
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Patriotic Front’s Reaction
The Patriotic Front expressed disappointment with the verdict. PF spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba stated, “We are studying the matter. But we are gravely concerned by the court’s decision and ruling.”
