Former UPND Katuba Member of Parliament Bampi Kapalasa, has petitioned the Constitutional Court, challenging the legitimacy of seven of its judges.
Excluding Court President Justice Margaret Munalula, Kapalasa claims that the remaining judges lack the qualifications required by the Zambian Constitution to hold their positions.
Kapalasa argues that the appointments violate Article 141(b) and 141(2) of the Constitution, which mandates specialised training or experience in human rights or constitutional law for judges of the court.
His petition contends that none of the seven judges in question meet these criteria, citing the absence of advanced degrees or sufficient expertise in the requisite fields.
The former lawmaker is seeking nullification of their appointments.
Kapalasa demands that the appointments of all the Constitutional Court judges, except the Judge President, be declared unconstitutional and void.
Additionally, he seeks an order compelling the unqualified judges to vacate office for failing to meet constitutional standards.
He wants a directive to nullify all decisions rendered by the allegedly unqualified judges, arguing that their rulings lack legitimacy.
Kapalasa also requests the court to reaffirm its jurisdiction, limiting its scope strictly to matters of constitutional interpretation and violations, as per the constitution.
