Insights

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three judges following allegations of judicial misconduct, a move that has raised concerns about political interference in the judiciary. The judges were previously involved in a controversial ruling that allowed former President Edgar Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, despite having served two terms. Their suspension comes ahead of the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to compete again. The suspension was based on recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), which investigated a complaint filed by lawyer Joseph Busenga regarding the judges' handling of the 2016 presidential election petition. After two years of investigation, the president acted on the JCC's findings, asserting his constitutional powers to suspend the judges. This decision has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Lungu's Patriotic Front party, which claims the suspension is illegal. Activists have also criticized Hichilema for undermining judicial independence, suggesting that the judiciary has become politicized. Social commentator Laura Miti expressed that while the judges may have acted improperly, the president's motivations appear to be rooted in personal vendetta. The suspended judges will undergo a disciplinary process that could lead to their removal or reinstatement. Critics argue that the president's role in appointing and removing judges compromises the judiciary's independence, raising questions about the integrity of Zambia's legal system as political tensions escalate ahead of the upcoming elections.