Itula threatens legal action over ECN commissioner appointments

Itula argues that the process followed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is unconstitutional, stating that the president's letters to parliament "nominate" candidates for approval instead of appointing them as required by Article 94B of the Constitution. He contends that the Constitution empowers the president to appoint commissioners, subject to National Assembly approval, not merely to nominate them, and that parliament cannot convert a nomination into a constitutional appointment. The IPC also questions the wording of the president's letters, viewing them as recommendations rather than formal instruments of appointment.

Additionally, the party notes that the nomination of ECN chairperson Gerson Sindano does not specify the duration of his term and that sworn declarations on political affiliations, required by a government gazette, were not included in the documents submitted to parliament. Itula warns that if parliament proceeds with the vote, the IPC will approach the High Court to declare the process unconstitutional and prevent the nominees from taking office. Separately, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has filed a second High Court application to demand the release of interview minutes.