CIVIL SOCIETY CONSORTIUM CALLS FOR CREATION OF ELECTORAL COURT
The Consortium of Civil Society Organisations has urged Zambia’s Chief Justice, Dr. Mumba Malila, to prioritise the establishment of a specialised Electoral Court ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Consortium Chairperson Isaac Mwanza said the proposed court would play a crucial role in enhancing the administration of electoral justice by expediting the resolution of disputes, ensuring transparency, and involving judges with the necessary technical expertise.
Mr. Mwanza further appealed to Zambia’s international partners to support the initiative by funding the court’s establishment and facilitating specialised training for judges and magistrates. He noted that such investment would not only improve the quality and efficiency of electoral justice but also contribute to broader judicial reforms.
The Consortium also expressed concern over the growing trend in Economic and Financial Crimes Courts to deny bail to convicted individuals, particularly high-profile figures who have lodged appeals. Mr. Mwanza pointed out that with appeals often taking years to conclude, denying bail may result in individuals serving full sentences before their cases are reviewed—leading to potential injustice, especially if convictions are later overturned.
He emphasised that this is particularly troubling in cases involving short-term sentences, where the punishment may be completed before the appeal is heard.
In light of these concerns, the Consortium is calling on the Chief Justice to provide clear administrative guidance to judicial officers, ensuring that bail decisions are grounded in law and fairness, rather than influenced by public sentiment or perceived punitive motives.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with the Judiciary, cooperating partners, and other stakeholders to support reforms that promote fairness, efficiency, and the protection of constitutional rights within Zambia’s justice system.
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Wave FM Zambia
Mr. Mwanza and his warped ideas again.
First it was a suit about homosexuality then it was about Lungu and his candidature. Bwana you started well seeking noble causes like childrens right, now your notionals are so abstract and warped they are simply serving a particular grouping that are already getting way too much of the national cake and have been at the center of the debt abuse.
Enough already. Give us a break. Privacy and the cybet law. If there is a study researchers need to focus on. Its these issues. Why are journalist thinking they are sp special that they should not be held accountable for the misrepresentation of facts. Why when we have associations that have statutes to regulate them Journalists think they are untouchable? Can not be held accountable? We are moving from a actual amd paper based to a virtual mediums where to place who where and how or is a person who wrote an article; is hard. Imagine someone that AI disparaged you and therefore can not sue for the damage done?
Its laws that will protect citizens. Without them we are all vulernable. To me these are progressive issues. Cries that we hear sound more emotional than objective.
First abolish the constitutional court sir, is it not there to deal with matters you are raising?
Jata Bulenge, iam also perplexed and flabagasted by his notion.Is this not duplication of court responsibility of the Constitutional Court? The Parliament may not understand too.
Ati international partners should fund the electoral court. Mr. Mwanza thinks other people have money to waste on his fancy ideas.
The current court structure is more than adequate to deal with electoral disputes. The confusion of the constitutional court is more than enough.