I have noted with concern, distorted messages by some political commentators that the Patriotic Front (PF) is threatening the independence of the judiciary.
The Patriotic Front wishes to state that it disapproves of any behavior or statements that undermines the independence and integrity of the Judiciary and would therefore not support any form of mobilization or utterances that may be seen to suggest that.
The PF strongly believes in the separation of powers between and among the three organs of the state, that is, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. And as the Party in Government, the PF takes keen interest in how the Executive in particular, represents the Party’s Manifesto position on this matter.
As you will note, our 2021-26 Manifesto reinforces our belief in the sanctity of the judiciary as an integral part of Zambia’s democratic enterprise.
Therefore, the PF assures the general public that it will work with all stakeholders including the Law Association of Zambia to uphold the tenets of our democracy including the independence of the judiciary.
The PF respects the rule of law and therefore wishes to guide its members that all matters that are before the courts of law must be left in the hands of competent authorities who are lawfully assigned to handle such matters.
In the light of our uncompromising commitment to the rule of law and respect for the sanctity of the judiciary; and in view of the prevailing public health emergency due to Covid-19, the Patriotic Front will not sanction any mass mobilizations for solidarity of any sort at the court grounds as such actions can not only put the lives of our people and others at risk of contracting the deadly Corona virus but would also send a very conflicting message with regards to our commitment to respect for the independence of the judiciary.
Signed
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Issued by:
Hon DAVIES MWILA
SECRETARY GENERAL
PATRIOTIC FRONT