Court facilities across Zambia, including the High Court and Supreme Court in the capital Lusaka, have been closed ahead of the final day for submitting petitions challenging the recent presidential election outcome. The closure comes as opposition candidate Brian Mundubile has indicated his intention to contest the results, citing alleged irregularities. Mundubile secured 38% of the vote while incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won a second term with 60%. Monday is the deadline for filing such petitions, which could potentially impact Hichilema’s scheduled inauguration on 1 September.
According to reports, an unusual police presence has been observed at court locations, with premises taped off to restrict access. Lawyers attempting to access the courts on Monday were reportedly instructed to leave by armed personnel. Local media outlets have published what appears to be a directive from a judiciary administrative official instructing staff not to report to work, citing unspecified “security reasons.” No formal public explanation has been provided regarding the closure or its expected duration.
Mundubile is currently in a secure location following alleged threats against him. His situation reflects the volatile atmosphere following the election, marked by the death of opposition figure Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security operation and the arrest of other opposition members. The Law Association of Zambia and opposition figures have expressed concerns that the court closure is intended to prevent Mundubile from filing his petition. The lawyers’ association highlighted the immediate impact on access to justice and noted the particular significance of the timing given the constitutional deadline for electoral petitions.
International observers monitoring the election day, held on 13 August, described proceedings as largely peaceful but raised concerns about media freedom, late electoral reforms, and opposition access to media in the pre-election period. The European Union observation mission reported a heavy military presence during vote tallying, weak verification procedures between digital and paper records, and noted that the electoral commission did not publish separate polling-station results. Meanwhile, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration at National Heroes Stadium are reportedly continuing.
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