By CHILA NAMAIKO –
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has urged members of the public to desist from making prejudicial comments on the presidential petition being handled by the Constitutional Court.
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate Geoffrey Mwamba have filed a petition challenging the declaration of President-elect Edgar Lungu and Vice-President-elect Inonge Wina as winners of the August 11 general elections by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
LAZ honorary secretary Sashi Kateka called for an end to prejudicial comments on the petition as doing so was contempt of court and could undermine public confidence in the Constitutional Court and contribute to destabilising peace and security in the country.
Ms Kateka said at a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that LAZ was confident that the Constitutional Court would determine the matter fairly and promptly in accordance with its mandate as established by the Constitution and other relevant laws.
“LAZ also appeals to members of the general public and all members, supporters or sympathisers of UPND and the Patriotic Front to remain patient and calm and allow the Constitutional Court to determine the case without any undue pressure, influence or threats,” she said.
LAZ was dismayed with several opinions expressed by some sections of society on the presidential petition in the media, including the social media platforms.
She said the association was prelude from commenting on the substance of the matter in any manner that could appear to be interpreting or determining the matters in dispute, which was the preserve of the Constitutional Court.
Ms Kateka, however, said LAZ had decided to apply to the Constitutional Court to join the case as amicus curiae (a friend of the court) with a view to assisting on any legal matter that the court could require.
On attacks on the Constitutional Court judges and Attorney General Likando Kalaluka, Ms Kateka called for an end to making unsubstantiated and unwarranted utterances against the judges as that could have an effect of eroding public confidence in the judicial system.
She appealed to the Government to hold a stand-alone national referendum to enhance the Bill of Rights before the 2021 general elections. (See picture on page 3)