Suspension Of Concourt Judges Amid ECL Eligibility Case Concerns FODEP
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 4 October 2024
By Staff Reporter
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has expressed concern on the developments surrounding the suspension of three Constitutional Court judges by President Hakainde Hichilema.
FODEP Executive Director Elijah Rubvuta said while the President acted within the law upon receiving the report and recommendations of the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) regarding the judges’ behavior and conduct, the coincidence in the timing of the action makes the action appear to have been pre-determined.
FODEP further notes that currently, the law only mandates the JCC to deal fully with all matters pertaining to complaints about judges, unlike in the past when the Constitution provided for the need for a Tribunal to be constituted.
Mr. Rubvuta tells Mafken News that in this regard, the law is quite clear when it states that upon receiving the report and recommendation, the President must act within seven days.
FODEP is therefore urging those criticizing the action to join hands with the foundation in calling for the re-instatement of the constitutional provisions that require a Tribunal to be setup to look into matters concerning discipline and removal of judges as this enhances the security of tenure of the judges.
