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Concerns have emerged over the recent appointment of judges in Zambia, with the opposition Democratic Union (DU)questioning both the timing and intent behind the move.
DU party leader, Ackim Njobvu, said the appointments—made by the United Party for National Development (UPND)government—come just a month before the dissolution of Parliament, raising suspicion about political motivations.
Njobvu told the Zambia Monitor in an interview that the move appears politically motivated, especially with about 15 bills still pending before the current parliamentary session ends.
He argued that the ruling party was attempting to influence the judiciary by placing loyalists in key positions.
“We just wish that the appointments are made from a point of goodwill and for the greater good of the country, not from selfish interest,” Njobvu said.
He urged citizens to demand that leaders act in the nation’s best interests, stressing the significance of judicial independence.
“The people of Zambia deserve a judiciary that is independent and impartial, not one beholden to political interests,” he added.
Read More: President Hichilema makes major judicial, electoral appointments (See list)
PF Also Raises Alarm Over “Last-Minute” Appointments
Similar concerns were echoed by the Patriotic Front (PF) Chairperson for Information and Publicity Emmanuel Mwamba, who condemned what he described as last-minute judicial appointments by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mwamba accused the President of manipulating the process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He said the appointment to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) further heightened concerns.
“This elections is already contested and the fears that Zambia is not able to hold democratic, credible, transparent, peaceful and free and fair elections,” Mwamba said.
He argued that President Hichilema’s actions had worsened existing apprehensions around electoral integrity and urged Parliament to reject the appointments.
Mwamba added that such long-term and significant positions should only be filled after the 2026 elections, not on the eve of a major political transition.
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