By Nelson Zulu
Lawyer Makebi Zulu has called for a review of the country’s judicial appointment process, proposing that judges should be appointed through a parliamentary-led mechanism rather than by the presidency.
This follows government plans to recruit more than 100 judges this year to address challenges in the judiciary, including heavy caseloads and prolonged appeals.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Zulu, who is also Opposition Patriotic Front-PF Presidential, has proposed that the power to appoint judges be removed from the executive and vested in parliament, where candidates would be subjected to scrutiny and questioning to determine their integrity, competence and suitability for office.
Mr. Zulu has warned that continued judicial appointments without parliamentary oversight risk undermining public confidence in the judiciary, adding that decision-making may lack transparency and merit under the current system.
He argues that inefficiencies within Zambia’s judicial system are not primarily a result of inadequate numbers of judges, but rather the caliber of individuals appointed, stressing the need to prioritize competence, impartiality and effective case management.
Government recently confirmed to Phoenix News that it plans to recruit approximately 100 judges in a move aimed at reducing the workload within the judiciary and enhancing the delivery of justice.
PHOENIX NEWS
