Lungu’s exclusion further weakens Zambian opposition

Significance This reversed an earlier court decision that deemed Lungu eligible to run in the 2021 elections (which he lost), and essentially confirms the lack of judicial independence in Zambia, as both court decisions largely aligned with the interests of the political party currently in power. Impacts The court’s de facto reversal of its earlier ruling suggests that major political and constitutional questions can never be fully resolved. It is also possible that the courts will bar the other main opposition candidate, Fred M’membe, from the next elections. Public anger over persistent lengthy power cuts and surging inflation could hurt the ruling party and lend momentum to the opposition.