In brief
Zambia’s judiciary has been shut, with police and armed men preventing access to high‑court premises, as the final day to file a presidential election petition approaches. Opposition figure Brian Mundubile, who polled 38% in the August 13 vote, intends to sue the results, claiming irregularities. The closure raises doubts about judicial independence, especially with a high‑stakes nine‑day window for a Constitutional Court challenge that could delay the September 1 inauguration. Harsh security measures, arrests of opposition leaders, and a tragic death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya further highlight escalating tensions.
Zambia courts shut as petition deadline looms
High‑court, Supreme Court and several local courts across Lusaka are sealed, with police officers and armed men keeping lawyers away from the premises. The move comes as the final call for filing a petition against the results of the August 13 presidential election draws near.
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who came second with a 38% share of the vote, has vowed to challenge the outcome, alleging substantial irregularities. He remains hidden under protection, following the arrest of opposition figures and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid.
Monday is the last day on which a candidate can file a Constitutional Court petition. A successful challenge could stall President Hichilema’s inauguration on 1 September and force a restart to the electoral process.
The abrupt closure of court buildings has sparked concerns from the Law Association of Zambia, which cites a lack of official explanation and a potentially interference‑laden security environment.
The government’s memorandum, shared online by some opposition voices, stated that staff should not report to work “for security reasons,” but provided no further detail.
Amnesty International and other rights organisations have called for independent investigations into the killing of Kafwaya and other police actions, adding to the tense atmosphere surrounding the election period.
A European Union observation mission noted heavy military presence and intimidation at tallying centres, urging maximum transparency and separate polling‑station results from the Electoral Commission.
