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The Zambian government has welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling regarding the eligibility of former president, Edgar Lungu, who has been ruled out of the 2026 general elections and any other future elections.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Mweetwa said this during a media briefing held shortly after the Constitutional Court ruling was delivered in Lusaka on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Media offices at the Government Complex.
He said the Constitutional Court’s judgment had brought an end to a three-year-long national debate that had garnered both local and international attention.
“This verdict not only provides clarity and certainty to the law but also promotes the predictability of the law, effectively ending years of speculation and arguments among lawyers and citizens alike,” Mweetwa stated.
He said the Constitutional Court had delivered a landmark judgment, expressing government’s gratitude to the citizens and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation throughout the process.
Mweetwa also acknowledged the Constitutional Court’s efforts in rendering a judgment that’s easy to understand, using simple language that’s accessible to all citizens.
“As the government, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judgment of the Constitutional Court. This demonstrates our dedication to transparency, accountability, and good governance,” he said.
Mweetwa stated that the Constitutional Court’s decision was final, binding, and a significant step towards ensuring that the law was respected and applied equally to all citizens.
He said the court’s ruling also underscored the importance of judicial independence and the need for those in power to respect the separation of powers.
“This judgment serves as a reminder to public officials that we are not above the law and our actions will be held accountable. It’s a victory for the rule of law and a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the Constitution,” Mweetwa said.
He stated that moving forward, it was essential for Zambia to continue on this path of respecting the rule of law and ensuring that those in power were held accountable for their actions.
Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s aspirations for a political comeback suffered a significant setback following the Constitutional Court’s ruling on his eligibility for future elections.
The court’s unanimous decision, issued by a seven-member panel, declared Lungu ineligible to contest the 2026 elections or any subsequent ones, effectively putting an end to his presidential ambitions.
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