Judiciary distances itself from Chief Justice’s receipt of ‘Presidential Petition’ on private email

12 ViewsThe Judiciary has moved to distance itself from Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila’s receipt of documents described as “the people’s presidential petition,” saying no such petition has been formally filed with the Constitutional Court. In a statement issued on 26th August 2026, the Judiciary said that as at close of business on 25th August […]

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Chief Justice Mumba Malila

The Judiciary has moved to distance itself from Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila’s receipt of documents described as “the people’s presidential petition,” saying no such petition has been formally filed with the Constitutional Court.

In a statement issued on 26th August 2026, the Judiciary said that as at close of business on 25th August 2026, the Constitutional Court Registry had received no Presidential Petition challenging the 13th August 2026 General Election results.

“Therefore, there is no Presidential Petition before the Constitutional Court,” the statement read.

The clarification comes after the Judiciary confirmed on 25th August 2026 that Dr. Malila had received an email from petitioners containing documents seeking to challenge the presidential election outcome.

The Judiciary described the sending of official court documents to the Chief Justice’s private email as “highly irregular.”

It added that while Dr. Malila had “exceptionally” referred the documents to the Constitutional Court for consideration.

It was further noted that the courts would communicate with interested parties in due course.