By JAMES KUNDA –
CHIEF Justice Ireen Mambilima has implored the newly-constituted Local Government Elections Tribunal to operate professionally and ensure that its decisions are devoid of political bias.
Ms Justice Mambilima said the tribunal was expected to operate without fear or favour, so that justice was dispensed fairly and to the satisfaction of the parties involved.
She said this at the Supreme Court buildings in Lusaka yesterday during a swearing-in ceremony of 16 lawyers to serve on the tribunal.
The tribunal is a new feature of the Zambian judicial system established under Article 159 of the Constitution (amendment) Act of 2016.
The role of the tribunal, which will be presided over by a magistrate, sitting with at least two legal practitioners, is to handle petitions on outcomes of local government elections within a constitutionally-prescribed period of 30 days.
The tribunal members are Joseph Chimembe, Daniel Sichombo, Eddie Mweetwa, Mwenya Kapasa, Sashi Kateka, Chibesa Maimbo, Ngosa Simachela and Maureen Mwanza.
Others are Mando Mwitumwa, Frederick Imasiku, Hope Masengu, Charles Sinkala, Harriet Mdala, Murah Kapamba, Francis Mwale and Mulopa Ndalameta.
Ms Justice Mambilima said the tribunal should not base its decisions on public opinion or rumour mongering which was at times perpetuated by the media.
“I wish to congratulate you all on this noble achievement and wish to advise you to remember that justice is not for sale to the highest bidder.
“Ensure that petitions are disposed of efficiently in adherence to the constitutional time-frame to maintain public faith in the institution,” Ms Justice Mambilima said.
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by, among other dignitaries, Deputy Chief Justice Marvin Mwanamwambwa, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Esau Chulu, ECZ director for elections Priscilla Isaacs and United Nations resident coordinator in Zambia, Janet Rogan.