Former President Edgar Lungu has filed a Notice of Motion in the Constitutional Court, requesting the recusal of three judges from presiding over his eligibility to contest the 2021 General Election and any future elections. The motion, supported by an affidavit, names Constitutional Court President Margaret Munalula, her Deputy Arnold Shilimi, and Judge Mapani Kawimbe, alleging potential bias.
In his affidavit, Mr. Lungu contends that Justice Munalula had previously delivered dissenting judgments between 2016 and 2021 in favor of President Hakainde Hichilema. He also notes that Justice Munalula was among a group of judges reported to the Judicial Complaints Commission several years ago, alongside three suspended judges: Annie Sitali, Palani Mulonda, and Mugeni Mulenga.
Additionally, Mr. Lungu claims that Judge Shilimi is a professional associate of President Hichilema, raising concerns about impartiality. He further alleges that Judge Kawimbe may have a familial connection with President Hichilema, which, according to Lungu, could influence the judge’s stance on the case.
The state’s response is expected to be filed by Wednesday, ahead of a formal hearing on Thursday this week, when the Constitutional Court will consider Mr. Lungu’s request for the judges’ recusal.
This motion is part of a broader case initiated by youth activist Michelo Chizombe, who has asked the Constitutional Court to determine whether Mr. Lungu was eligible to run in the 2021 General Election and if he can participate in future elections. The court’s decision will have significant implications for Zambia’s political landscape as it examines the legal standing of Mr. Lungu’s candidacy.
The day when monkeys fall, all trees become slippery! So, ba Lungu koseni fye…
I think we need more developmental news that court news every day….Lusaka Times please look for real news…Edgar Lungu shouldn’t be in the news anymore…his time is up
But Mr. President ECL before signing the 2016 constitution he had all the powers to summon the best law graduates in world to assist in the interpretation of the troublesome clauses. Now look at where we are now, this could have been delt with before signing the constitution, any way we all make mistakes I hope we are learning something here never to leave anything unfinished otherwise it will still come back and haunt us in future.
The lunatics are tearing apart the judiciary. By the time they are done there won’t be any credible judicial officer serving. All would’ve been tainted. The greed for political power has done more harm to our institutions of governance. Politicians are destroying our country while we watch and their praise singers cheer them on