By 
The United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of compromising the independence of the judiciary by dismissing three Constitutional Court judges, calling the move an attack on Zambia’s democracy and a violation of the principle of separation of powers.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, UKA Spokesperson, Jackson Silavwe, condemned the dismissal, particularly as the judges had reportedly ruled against Hichilema in the 2016 presidential election petition.
He described the decision as a “blatant act of vengeance” and a “desecration of the judiciary, a sacred institution Zambians rely on for justice.”
“What we find appalling is that these judges were cleared of misconduct allegations by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) multiple times, yet the same Commission has reversed its stance, now recommending dismissal on what appears to be biased charges,” Silavwe stated.
He argued that the dismissal confirmed suspicions of political interference by Hichilema’s administration, especially with the Constitutional Court set to rule on the eligibility of former President Edgar Lungu and other high-profile cases.
“We also fear this action will erode public confidence in the judiciary, which is already at a low,” he said.
Silavwe stated that the judges were guaranteed security of tenure under Zambia’s Constitution, a safeguard he said was being disregarded under the New Dawn administration.
Asserting that Zambia’s democracy hinges on judicial independence, Silavwe urged Chief Justice Mumba Malila to protect judicial officers from what he described as intimidation by the executive branch.
“We call on the Chief Justice to rise up and defend his judges from harassment,” he demanded.
Silavwe also urged the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the church, civil society and political parties to speak out against what he sees as harmful interference.
He called on Zambians to remain peaceful but not to be intimidated by a government he accused of threatening basic freedoms of speech, assembly and association.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments