Zambia's President Suspends Three Judges

Justice Priscilla Chigumba of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission emphasized the need for political stakeholders to collaboratively reform electoral laws to prevent disputes, citing differences in views over last year's delimitation as a source of conflict. She urged stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue during the post-election review conference, aiming to enhance the electoral process for future elections. Meanwhile, in Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema suspended three judges accused of judicial misconduct related to their rulings in a 2016 election petition against former President Edgar Lungu, raising concerns about potential political interference ahead of the 2026 elections. Critics argue that this suspension reflects Hichilema's attempt to manipulate the judiciary, particularly as the judges were set to rule on Lungu's eligibility for the upcoming elections. The suspensions followed a lengthy investigation by the Judicial Complaints Commission, which had received complaints about the judges' conduct. As tensions rise between the current administration and the judiciary, these developments could significantly impact Zambia's political landscape.