TI-Z CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF COURTS
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed concern over the closure of superior courts on the final day of the constitutional window for challenging presidential election results.
TI-Z says an unsigned memorandum from the Judiciary’s Chief Administrator directed staff not to report for work due to unspecified “security reasons,” while security forces have sealed court premises and restricted access.
The organisation says the timing of the closure is particularly troubling because an aggrieved presidential candidate has publicly indicated plans to challenge the election results.
TI-Z argues that closing the courts could obstruct access to justice and undermine confidence in Zambia’s democratic institutions and Judiciary.
The organisation has called for the immediate reopening of the courts under necessary security arrangements, or the establishment and public communication of alternative mechanisms to allow legal proceedings to be commenced.
TI-Z Executive Director Maurice K. Nyambe says Zambia needs stronger and accessible institutions to peacefully resolve post-election disputes, not fewer avenues for seeking judicial redress.
Is this how low we have sank? The legal alternative of petitioning the elections has been slammed shut.
This is devastating. What else should we expect?
Maybe Dr. Sishuwa is not as crazy as he sounds.
TI-Z should learn how to present its case. The organization is clearly championing the cause of a political party. The shutting of Courts has affected all the people, particularly litigants who had cases for hearing. The political party referred to had time to file. There are many times when the Courts have shut for one reason or another, for instance, a day being declared holiday or riots. It is not uncommon for caes at Court not taking off for one reason or another like the Courts attending a Seminar in Livingstone! So, if there was threat of peace, that is very important.
Dangerous detractors are sensing a power vacuum.Court processes must never be used by time wasters.They lost with almost 1 million votes.Who can rig that many votes.
We have a national budget to present in two months and cannot wait for fugitives to delay Criminals can also hijack democracy and paralyze governance
HH must take control immediately.imnogurate the President
Abash crazy Sishuwa