Zambia: Constitutional Court allows President Lungu to run for third term /update 1

Event

On Friday, December 7, Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled that President Edgar Lungu is eligible to run for a third term. The decision was unanimously supported by all seven judges of the court, who stated that Lungu’s first tenure in office cannot be considered a full term. Lungu will now be able to run in the 2021 presidential election. Protests and public celebrations are possible in the coming days.

Context

President Lungu ascended to the presidency in 2015 after winning a by-election following the death of President Michael Sata. He later won elections in 2016. Lungu’s supporters claim that under the constitution, a president is only considered to have served a term if his is in office for at least three years of a full five-year term.

Advice

Individuals in Zambia, particularly Lusaka, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid public demonstrations as a precaution, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and anticipate public demonstrations, transportation disruptions, and a heightened security presence.