**Zambia’s Constitutional Court’s decision to reject former President Edgar Lungu’s bid for third term sparks debate**
Zambia’s political landscape is in turmoil after the Constitutional Court ruled that former President Edgar Lungu was ineligible to run for a third term. The decision follows Lungu’s announcement last year that he would return to active politics, fuelling speculation that he would seek a third term as president.
The Constitutional Court ruled that Lungu’s first term, as president from 2015 to 2016 after the death of President Michael Sata, counts as a full presidential term. The decision effectively blocks his bid to run for another term as president.
Lungu, 68, responded to the ruling by saying the court’s decision was motivated by what he sees as political manoeuvring. His critics accuse him of corruption during his term, and members of his family are facing corruption charges in court. Lungu claims that these charges are an attempt to block his run for a third term.
The vice president of Lungu’s party said the former head of state was not concerned by the court’s decision and would continue to campaign and be his party’s presidential candidate in 2026.
The decision by the Zambian Constitutional Court raises questions about the country’s political future and respect for democracy and the rule of law. Lungu’s supporters denounce political manipulation, while his critics see the decision as a victory for justice and the fight against corruption.
It is now crucial to see how this case will evolve and what impact it will have on Zambia’s political scene. The coming months will be critical for the country’s future and the credibility of its democratic institutions.