During his inauguration speech, Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo announced a series of structural reforms in the judicial system, highlighting the transformation of the Constitutional Council (CC) into a Constitutional Court. The measure, according to Chapo, aims to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, ensure greater efficiency in monitoring the constitutionality of laws and reinforce the institutional balance of the state.
In his speech in Independence Square, Chapo said that this reform arises from the need to modernise and adjust the justice system to the current political and social context, ensuring that the institutions are prepared to guarantee stability and strict compliance with the Constitution of the Republic.
‘We will begin discussions on possible constitutional changes, allowing for the transformation of the Constitutional Council into the Constitutional Court,’ said the President, stressing that this change is part of a wider effort to reorganise and strengthen the Mozambican judicial system.
The President also pointed out that this proposal is part of a wider package of institutional reforms, which includes the creation of the Court of Auditors, the transformation of the Administrative Court into the Supreme Administrative Court and the creation of intermediate courts to decentralise and speed up access to justice.
‘We want an efficient justice system, capable of responding to the demands of the rule of law and guaranteeing transparency and fairness in the application of the laws,’ Chapo emphasised, adding that the restructuring of the Constitutional Council will allow for better functioning of the judicial system and greater clarity in the separation of powers.
The head of state also addressed the need to ensure that judicial reform is aligned with the current challenges of governance and democracy in Mozambique. To this end, Chapo argued that the process of transition from the Constitutional Council to the Constitutional Court should be conducted in a technical and transparent manner, involving jurists, academics, legislators and civil society.
The proposal to transform the Constitutional Council into the Constitutional Court will involve changes to the Constitution of the Republic, which requires in-depth debates and political consensus. The President assured that his government is committed to ensuring that all changes respect democratic principles and strengthen justice as an essential pillar of the Mozambican state.
In addition to the transformation of the Constitutional Council, Chapo reaffirmed that his government will be guided by a rigorous approach to fighting corruption and promoting speedy proceedings, emphasising that the reform of the judicial system will be an instrument for ensuring accessible and effective justice for all Mozambicans.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
