Zambia’s Election Petition Deadline Sparks Court Closures

Court premises in Lusaka and other Zambian jurisdictions have been sealed off as the deadline approaches for filing petitions challenging the recent presidential election results.

An increased police presence has been reported at several courts, with some areas taped off to restrict access.

Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who finished second with 38% of the vote, has stated his intention to challenge the election outcome, alleging irregularities. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60%.

Mundubile is currently in hiding following alleged threats against him, amid a post-election period marked by controversy, including the death of opposition figure Mutotwe Kafwaya and the arrest of other activists.

Monday marks the final day for submitting a petition against the presidential result, a move that could potentially impact the inauguration of President Hichilema, scheduled for 1 September.

On Monday, lawyers who arrived at the courts were instructed to depart. One lawyer reported to the BBC that three armed men approached his vehicle, identified themselves, and ordered him to leave the area.

The sealed courts include the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court which also houses the Constitutional Court, and several local courts. It remains unclear when the premises will reopen.

Despite the court closures, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration appear to be continuing. The Youth and Sport Ministry has issued a media invitation for journalists to accompany a cabinet official on an inspection of arrangements at National Heroes Stadium, where the ceremony is expected to take place.

Mundubile rejected the presidential election results last week and indicated plans to challenge the outcome through the courts. He is currently in a secure location under the protection of what his campaign describes as an “international human rights body”.

He went into hiding following the arrests 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.

The arrests and Kafwaya’s death have prompted calls from rights groups and the Law Association of Zambia for independent investigations. Amnesty International described the killing as “deeply alarming” and called for prompt, thorough, and impartial probes. The lawyers’ association similarly expressed “grave concern” and demanded investigation.

Regional and international observers described the 13 August election day as largely peaceful, but raised concerns regarding late electoral reforms, media freedom, and media access in the run-up to the poll.

The EU observation mission suggested restrictions on the opposition may have contributed to an “uneven contest”. During vote tallying, the mission noted a heavy military presence as intimidating and received reports of attacks on some tallying centres.

The mission also observed that many counting staff did not record results on tally sheets immediately after announcements, citing weak verification between digital entries and paper records. Returning officers frequently paused proceedings while awaiting instructions from headquarters.

The EU mission further called for “maximal transparency” over the poll outcome, noting that the electoral commission did not publish separate polling-station results.

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