Access to Zambian courts prevented as election petition deadline looms
Summary
Courts in Zambia, including in the capital Lusaka, have been closed with police preventing access as the deadline to challenge the recent presidential election approaches. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who came second in the vote, says he will contest the election results amid reports of threats, arrests, and the death of an opposition figure.Key Facts
- Zambian courts, including the High Court, Supreme Court, and local courts, are closed and taped off with an unusual police presence.
- The deadline to file a petition against the presidential election result is Monday, potentially affecting President Hakainde Hichilema’s upcoming inauguration on September 1.
- Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who received 38% of the vote, says he will challenge the election outcome due to alleged irregularities.
- Mundubile is hiding after reported threats and arrests of opposition figures following the election.
- A former opposition minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, was killed during a security operation, raising calls for independent investigations by rights groups and lawyers.
- International observers described the election day as largely peaceful but expressed concerns about late election reforms, media access, and a heavy military presence.
- The EU observation mission reported issues such as attacks on vote tallying centers, delays in recording results, and lack of transparency in publishing detailed voting results.
- Despite court closures, preparations for President Hichilema’s inauguration continue, including inspections at the venue.
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