Court premises in Zambia have been closed, with an unusual police presence reported, as the deadline for filing a petition against the presidential election results approaches. The closures come as opposition candidate Brian Mundubile stated his intention to challenge the outcome, citing irregularities.
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60% of the vote, while Mundubile received 38%. Monday marks the final day for submitting a petition, which could impact Hichilema's inauguration scheduled for September 1.
Lawyers arriving at the courts on Monday reported being asked to leave. One lawyer told the BBC that he was approached by three armed men who instructed him to depart the area. The sealed courts include the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court, which also houses the Constitutional Court, and several local courts. The reopening date for these premises remains unclear, and inquiries to the Zambian police and judiciary have not yet yielded comment.
Despite the legal challenges and court closures, preparations for Hichilema's inauguration are reportedly ongoing. The Ministry of Youth and Sport has extended media invitations for journalists to observe arrangements at National Heroes Stadium, the expected venue for the ceremony.
Mundubile, who is currently in hiding under the protection of an international human rights body due to alleged threats, previously rejected the election results and announced his plan to pursue a legal challenge. He went into hiding following the arrest of opposition figures and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security operation in the capital, which officials described as an exchange of fire. These events have prompted calls from rights groups and the Law Association of Zambia for independent investigations.
Amnesty International has labeled Kafwaya's killing as "deeply alarming" and urged for prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations. The lawyers' association echoed these concerns, demanding an investigation into the matter.
While election day on August 13 was characterized as largely peaceful by regional and international observers, concerns were raised regarding late electoral reforms, media freedom, and access to media outlets in the lead-up to the poll. The European Union's observation mission noted that restrictions on the opposition may have contributed to an "uneven contest." The mission also described a heavy military presence during vote tallying as intimidating and reported attacks on some tallying centers. Additionally, the EU mission cited issues with the recording and verification of results and called for "maximal transparency" concerning the election outcome. The electoral commission did not publish separate polling-station results, according to the mission.