1. The @JSCZim carried out interviews of candidates for the Constitutional Court way back on 28 September 2020. More than 3 months after the interviews, there are no substantive appointments. Both @edmnangagwa & the @JSCZim are mute on this important matter.
2. Under the Constitution the President is required to choose from a list done by the @JSCZim after interviews. It is reasonable to presume this list was sent to the President. So what happened? The law recognises that the President may have been in impressed by the candidates
3. However, if he’s not happy with the candidates on the 1st list, he is required to call for a new list from the @JSCZim When the JSC submits a new list, the President has no choice but to appoint from that list. We do not know what has happened since 28/09/20. It’s been quiet. 
4. The President’s defenders will say there’s no specific time limit within which he’s compelled to act. But it’s trite that discretion must be exercised reasonably & within a reasonable time. This is pertinent where the highest court has been operating without substantive judges
5. The ConCourt should have had substantive judges in May 2020, but the regime deliberately delayed the process hoping that by then the President would have unfettered powers of appointment without the “trouble” of the @JSCZim interviews. The COVID19 pandemic disrupted that plan.
6. However, long after the interviews the system has applied brakes. More than 3 months to fill offices that are long overdue is beyond reasonable. If the President unimpressed (and to be fair very few candidates impressed) then he must say so & call for more candidates.
7. Disappointingly, those who are supposed to act as checks and balances in this process, including Parliament, Opposition parties, Civil Society, Law Society, the media are silent. It’s as if nothing happened 3 months ago that requires serious attention & accountability.
8. Strong institutions are vital. The ConCourt is one such institution. It can’t continue to operate with acting judges like it has done since 05/20. But the regime will be comfortable unless someone is challenging it. Many are quick to say the opposition but it’s everyone’s job
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