Party leader, Situmbeko, questions motives behind Hichilema’s dismissal of Constitutional Court judges

Pumulo Situmbeko, president of the New Era Democratic (NED) Party, has raised concerns over President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to dismiss three Constitutional Court judges ahead of a key case involving former president Edgar Lungu’s eligibility, set for December 10, 2024.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor from California on Wednesday, Situmbeko acknowledged that the President had the constitutional authority to make such decisions but questioned the timing and its potential impact on the independence of the judiciary.

“Today, we witness an alarming and distressing development in our nation’s governance, as President Hakainde Hichilema has chosen to fire three suspended Constitutional Court judges,” Situmbeko said.

The dismissed judges – Anne Sitali, Mungeni Mulenga, and Palan Mulonda – had been involved in Lungu’s eligibility case.

Situmbeko alleges that their removal could undermine the integrity of the judicial process.

She expressed concern that newly appointed judges may feel pressured to rule in favor of the President, particularly in such a high-stakes case.

“This act risks compromising our justice system, eroding public confidence, and further weakening our democracy,” Situmbeko stated.

She also urged Parliament to re-examine the current judicial appointment process, arguing that it gives the Executive too much control, leaving the judiciary vulnerable to political interference.

President Hichilema’s dismissal of the three judges followed a recommendation from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).

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