Lungu accuses constitutional court president, two other judges of bias, requests their withdrawal from election eligibility dispute

Former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, has filed a complaint against three Constitutional Court judges, alleging potential bias in a case involving his eligibility to run in future elections.

The judges in question are Constitutional Court President Justice Professor Margaret Munalula, Justice Arnold Shilimi, and Justice Maria Mapani-Kawimbe.

In a letter dated September 25, 2024, Lungu argued that the judges should have recused themselves due to their close ties to President Hakainde Hichilema.

Lungu cited President Hichilema’s repeated public statements that he would not allow his predecessor to contest future elections.

He also pointed out that members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) had filed various legal challenges, including this one, to block his candidacy.

The former president raised concerns that Justice Munalula, who delivered a minority judgment in the 2016 election petition favoring President Hichilema, might be spared due to that ruling.

He also alleged that Justice Shilimi was a known business associate of Hichilema and had held positions in companies linked to the president, while Justice Mapani was claimed to be a close relative of Hichilema.

Lungu requested that all three judges recuse themselves from the case to ensure impartiality.

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.