In a statement released by the presidency, the judges were described as having been removed "with immediate effect," utilizing powers under the Zambian Constitution. The JCC had reacted to a complaint lodged by a citizen, Moses Kalonde. This dismissal is portending challenges as both Hichilema and Lungu prepare for another political showdown after years of tension.
Commentators express mixed feelings about the president's actions. Laura Miti, a social and political analyst, claims that while the judges may have misbehaved in their handling of the 2016 case, their removal could be perceived as revenge, stirring concerns about judicial independence. Lungu's lawyer, Makebi Zulu, condemned the dismissals, labeling them as "illegality" and warning against political retaliation against judges performing their duties.
Under Zambia's Constitution, the president appoints judges based on recommendations from the JCC and approval by the National Assembly. Political analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa commented that appointing judges through executive processes inherently leads to issues of competence in the judiciary irrespective of who holds power, advocating instead for a more structured approach to judicial appointments.
As Zambia approaches the next elections, the judiciary's independence continues to be a hotly debated topic, with the potential for rifts in Zambia's political landscape deepening amid these dismissals.
Commentators express mixed feelings about the president's actions. Laura Miti, a social and political analyst, claims that while the judges may have misbehaved in their handling of the 2016 case, their removal could be perceived as revenge, stirring concerns about judicial independence. Lungu's lawyer, Makebi Zulu, condemned the dismissals, labeling them as "illegality" and warning against political retaliation against judges performing their duties.
Under Zambia's Constitution, the president appoints judges based on recommendations from the JCC and approval by the National Assembly. Political analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa commented that appointing judges through executive processes inherently leads to issues of competence in the judiciary irrespective of who holds power, advocating instead for a more structured approach to judicial appointments.
As Zambia approaches the next elections, the judiciary's independence continues to be a hotly debated topic, with the potential for rifts in Zambia's political landscape deepening amid these dismissals.
