Zambia's President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has suspended three top judges over alleged judicial misconduct, prompting accusations of political interference in the judiciary.

In 2016, the three Constitutional Court judges dismissed President HICHILEMA’s petition, in which he challenged the election victory of former President EDGAR LUNGU.

They also took part in a controversial ruling allowing LUNGU to stand in the 2021 elections, despite having twice served as Zambia’s president.

The judges' suspension, which has sparked sharp reactions, was based on recommendations by a panel which investigates them, the presidency said.