Tiz Demands Immediate Reopening Of Courts

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has observed with concern the closure of the country’s courts on the final day for filing presidential election petitions.

Executive Director Maurice Nyambe stated that the unsigned memorandum directing staff not to report for work on grounds of “security concerns” is troubling given the post-election period.

Mr. Nyambe added that the decision blocks an aggrieved presidential candidate from exercising his constitutional right to challenge the election results.

He observed that the timing of the administrative directive appears to disregard the harm occasioned to that candidate’s access to justice.

Mr. Nyambe noted that at a time of political tension, the State should be encouraging political actors to seek judicial redress rather than creating obstacles.

He advanced that the vague justification of “security concerns” constitutes an obstruction of access to justice.

Mr. Nyambe said that the sealing of court premises by security forces has been confirmed by checks at the superior courts.

This came to light in a statement issued in Lusaka following the Judiciary’s decision to suspend court operations today.

He affirmed that the move has the potential to undermine the integrity of Zambia’s democratic institutions, particularly the Judiciary.

Mr. Nyambe emphasized that Zambia needs accessible and trusted institutions for peacefully resolving political disputes.

He called for the immediate reopening of the courts subject to necessary security arrangements or, failing that, the establishment of alternative filing mechanisms.

Mr. Nyambe urged the Judiciary to act with the urgency demanded by this moment to protect the rule of law.