Zambia
Zambia's Constitutional Court has unanimously ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to run for office in the 2026 general election, stating he has already served the constitutional maximum of two presidential terms. Lungu governed from 2015 to 2016 after the death of President Michael Sata and then served a full term from 2016 to 2021. Although Lungu lost to current President Hakainde Hichilema in the 2021 elections, the court determined his initial partial term qualified as a full one, making him ineligible for another. The case was highly publicized and broadcasted live, amid accusations of judicial interference following the dismissal of three judges by Hichilema. Lungu, who has faced corruption allegations along with his family members, dismissed the verdict as politically motivated. Despite the ruling, his party stated he remains politically active and will continue as their presumed candidate. Meanwhile, Zambia, a major copper producer, is facing a severe drought that threatens food security.
