Key facts
- Courts in Zambia, including the High Court and Supreme Court, have been sealed off.
- The closure occurs as the deadline for filing a petition against the presidential election results looms.
- Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who lost to incumbent Hakainde Hichilema, plans to challenge the election outcome.
- Mundubile is reportedly in hiding amid alleged threats and post-election controversies.
- The judiciary cited 'security reasons' for the closure, prompting concerns about judicial independence.
Court premises in Zambia, including the High Court and Supreme Court in Lusaka, have been sealed off with a significant police presence as the deadline for filing a petition against the recent presidential election results approaches. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who secured 38% of the vote compared to incumbent Hakainde Hichilema's 60%, has stated his intention to challenge the outcome due to alleged irregularities.
Mundubile is reportedly in hiding following threats and amid a controversial post-election period that has seen the death of a former minister and the arrest of other opposition figures. Lawyers attempting to access the sealed courts have been turned away, with one reporting being instructed to leave by armed men. A judiciary administrative official reportedly issued a directive for staff not to report to work, citing 'security reasons,' a move that has sparked concerns about judicial independence and accusations that the closure is intended to prevent Mundubile from filing his petition.
Despite the court closures, preparations for Hichilema's inauguration, scheduled for September 1, are proceeding. The death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security operation has drawn calls for independent investigations from human rights groups like Amnesty International and the Law Association of Zambia. Election observers from the EU noted that while election day was largely peaceful, concerns existed regarding late electoral reforms, media freedom, and an intimidating military presence during vote tallying, suggesting that restrictions on the opposition may have contributed to an uneven contest.