Local government elections tribunal members sworn in

High Court Judge-In-Charge, Kelvin Limbani, has sworn in 108 members of the Local Government Elections Tribunals and urged them to serve as islands of legality as they adjudicate petitions that arose from the 13th August 2026 general elections. Justice Limbani said the oath was…

High Court Judge-In-Charge, Kelvin Limbani, has sworn in 108 members of the Local Government Elections Tribunals and urged them to serve as islands of legality as they adjudicate petitions that arose from the 13th August 2026 general elections.

Justice Limbani said the oath was not a mere ceremonial activity but a constitutional undertaking to discharge duties without fear, favour, or ill will.

He was speaking during the oath taking ceremony in Lusaka today.

Justice Limbani reminded the tribunal members that their mandate was not to defend or undo an election, but to determine whether the law was obeyed.

“The campaign is over, the adjudication has now begun. Therefore, do not permit the courtroom to become an extension of the campaign trail,” he said.

He noted that local government is the first point of contact between citizens and the state, making disputes over mayors, council chairpersons and councillors, matters of legitimacy of representation at the level closest to the citizen.

The Judge stressed that time is of essence, with the 2026 electoral rules requiring tribunals to hear and determine petitions within 30 days of filing.

“Delayed electoral justice can be defeated electoral justice and elected office cannot remain indefinitely suspended in uncertainty and the electorate deserves closure,” he said.

Justice Limbani however cautioned that expedition must never mean injustice, noting that, on the other hand, speed without fairness is not judicial efficiency but merely arid injustice.

He has since directed tribunal members to uphold judicial neutrality and resist pressure from political personalities, media, social media, or influential litigants.

“No party should receive favour because the tribunal sympathises with them or because they are politically prominent and no case should be approached with ill will,” he guided.

“The greatest danger in election adjudication is a temptation to confuse justice with popularity. A tribunal does not exist to pronounce a decision that pleases a party. It should pronounce a decision that shall withstand scrutiny because it is legally reasoned, factually grounded, and procedurally fair,” he added.

Justice Limbani also called on members to produce clear, reasoned judgments that outline the issues, applicable law, evidence, and reasoning.

“Treat all parties who come before you with dignity. Give reasons for your decisions. Don’t just say this one won, that one lost. Let the record speak for itself,” he said.

He added that in the age of social media, the answer to public scrutiny is transparent, principled, and reasoned adjudication which is conducted openly.

Justice Limbani said the 108 members had been entrusted with an extraordinary responsibility at an extraordinary moment.

“Courts and tribunals exist not to prevent disagreement, but to ensure that disagreement is resolved by law rather than by force, intimidation, or political expediency,” he said.

He wished the tribunal members wisdom in deliberations, courage in decision-making, patience in hearings, fairness in case management, and fidelity to the law and urged them to serve the Republic of Zambia with honour and distinction.