THE impartiality of Zambia’s judiciary is under scrutiny as the Constitutional Court starts hearing on Thursday regarding
THE impartiality of Zambia’s judiciary is under scrutiny as the Constitutional Court starts hearing on Thursday regarding former president Edgar Lungu’s eligibility to contest the 2026 election. The case is pivotal in a country where the constitution limits presidents to two terms in office.
Lungu, aged 67 and representing the Patriotic Front (PF), was initially elected in 2015 after the death of then-president Michael Sata. He won a full term in 2016, leading to a contentious debate on whether his first short term should count towards the two-term limit.
The court previously ruled in favour of Lungu’s eligibility to run in the 2021 election, but he was defeated by current president Hakainde Hichilema, who is now accused of interfering in the judiciary to block Lungu from running again. In an address earlier this week, Lungu alleged that Hichilema, 62, and his United Party for National Development (UPND) were influencing judges to rule against him.
‘This matter has been settled by the Constitutional Court,’ Lungu said, referring to previous decisions that deemed him eligible. ‘The reopening of what was settled remains illegal and a clear act of lawlessness.’
Lungu has called for the recusal of certain judges, expressing concerns over their impartiality. He recently approached the Judicial Complaints Commission but was advised to bring the issue directly to the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Hichilema’s administration has suspended three Constitutional Court judges, citing ‘judicial misconduct.’ These judges were part of a panel that had previously ruled in Lungu’s favour.
The suspension has fuelled criticism of Hichilema’s leadership, with some accusing him of acting like a dictator. The case comes amid a broader crackdown involving members of Lungu’s family. Last week, Zambia’s Economic and Financial Crimes Court ordered the forfeiture of 15 properties owned by Lungu’s wife, Esther, over corruption allegations.
The unfolding events have put Zambia’s judiciary and political stability under the microscope, with both the opposition and ruling party facing off in a tense legal battle. The Constitutional Court’s decision will be crucial in determining whether Lungu can run in 2026, potentially shaping the country’s political future.
’s eligibility to contest the 2026 election. The case is pivotal in a country where the constitution limits presidents to two terms in office.
Lungu, aged 67 and representing the Patriotic Front (PF), was initially elected in 2015 after the death of then-president Michael Sata. He won a full term in 2016, leading to a contentious debate on whether his first short term should count towards the two-term limit.
The court previously ruled in favour of Lungu’s eligibility to run in the 2021 election, but he was defeated by current president Hakainde Hichilema, who is now accused of interfering in the judiciary to block Lungu from running again. In an address earlier this week, Lungu alleged that Hichilema, 62, and his United Party for National Development (UPND) were influencing judges to rule against him.
‘This matter has been settled by the Constitutional Court,’ Lungu said, referring to previous decisions that deemed him eligible. ‘The reopening of what was settled remains illegal and a clear act of lawlessness.’
Lungu has called for the recusal of certain judges, expressing concerns over their impartiality. He recently approached the Judicial Complaints Commission but was advised to bring the issue directly to the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Hichilema’s administration has suspended three Constitutional Court judges, citing ‘judicial misconduct.’ These judges were part of a panel that had previously ruled in Lungu’s favour.
The suspension has fuelled criticism of Hichilema’s leadership, with some accusing him of acting like a dictator. The case comes amid a broader crackdown involving members of Lungu’s family. Last week, Zambia’s Economic and Financial Crimes Court ordered the forfeiture of 15 properties owned by Lungu’s wife, Esther, over corruption allegations.
The unfolding events have put Zambia’s judiciary and political stability under the microscope, with both the opposition and ruling party facing off in a tense legal battle. The Constitutional Court’s decision will be crucial in determining whether Lungu can run in 2026, potentially shaping the country’s political future.
