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Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three top Constitutional Court judges over alleged judicial misconduct, sparking accusations of political interference. The judges, Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda, had previously ruled in favor of former President Edgar Lungu in 2016, dismissing Hichilema’s election petition and allowing Lungu to stand in the 2021 elections despite serving two terms.
The suspension comes ahead of Zambia’s 2026 elections, with Hichilema and Lungu expected to face each other again. The judges were due to hear a critical case regarding Lungu’s eligibility to run. Their suspension, based on recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), has drawn sharp criticism from Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party and activists, who accuse Hichilema of undermining judicial independence for political gain.
Critics argue that the move is motivated by a desire to prevent Lungu from contesting the upcoming election. Some social commentators, such as Laura Miti, believe the suspension is partly driven by revenge, while political analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa warned that excluding Lungu could lead to dangerous political consequences.
The judges will now face a disciplinary procedure, which could result in their removal or reinstatement. Zambia’s constitution allows the president to appoint and remove judges upon JCC recommendations, a process critics say compromises the judiciary’s independence.
