‘Manipulative, authoritarian,’ Situmbeko slams Hichilema for allegedly arm-twisting the judiciary for selfish gain

New Era Democratic (NED) Party President, Pumulo Situmbeko, has condemned the suspension of three Constitutional Court judges, calling it a direct attack on democracy.

Situmbeko noted that these judges had presided over former President Edgar Lungu’s 2021 eligibility case, questioning the timing and motivations behind their suspension.

She argued that President Hakainde Hichilema’s action raised significant concerns about conflict of interest and authoritarianism, as the case directly involves him.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor from California on Thursday, Situmbeko said, “For a sitting president to dismiss or appoint judges in a matter that involves him personally is not only a profound abuse of power but also a breach of professional ethics and integrity.”

She warned that the move compromised the judiciary’s independence and eroded public trust in the justice system.

By suspending judges involved in a case concerning the president, she said there was a risk that remaining or newly appointed judges could be influenced or intimidated into making biased rulings.

“This manipulation of the judiciary to serve the president’s interests threatens the very foundation of impartial justice, which is critical to democracy,” Situmbeko stated.

She also raised concerns about Joseph Busengwa, the individual who requested the judges’ suspension, pointing out his close personal relationship with the president, as evidenced on social media.

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

This, she argued, called into question the motivations behind the suspensions and the possible influence of external actors on judicial decisions.

“The involvement of an individual closely connected to the president, with a questionable background, in this process is deeply troubling,” Situmbeko said.

Situmbeko further highlighted that Lungu’s eligibility case had been heard multiple times, with no new compelling evidence presented to warrant reopening it.

“This is not only a waste of judicial resources but a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome of a previously settled matter,” she concluded.

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.