Zambia Shuts Courts Amid Opposition Election Challenge Deadline

The Zambian judiciary unexpectedly closed its top courts on Monday, hindering the opposition’s ability to lodge a formal challenge to the recent presidential election results. The closure occurred on the very last day the opposition had to file a petition with the Constitutional Court.

A notice from the chief administrator of the judiciary, obtained by Reuters, stated that all staff were advised not to report for work “for security reasons.” Police indicated that security assessments were underway, but provided no further details regarding the rationale for the heightened security and court closures.

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who placed second in the August 13 election, had announced his intention to file a petition challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s win. The deadline to submit such a challenge was set for early Tuesday, seven days after the official results were announced.

At the Supreme Court complex in Lusaka, which houses the Constitutional Court, gates remained shut with police visible inside. President Hichilema secured approximately 60% of the vote, but independent observer reports have raised concerns about potential inflation of his vote count, though Hichilema has denied any fraudulent activity.

Analysts and rights lawyers have voiced suspicions that Mundubile might be prevented from filing his petition. These concerns are compounded by recent events, including the arrest of some of Mundubile’s associates and his own questioning by police over alleged national security threats, which he maintains are fabricated.

Despite the obstacles, members of the opposition alliance remain determined to file their petition. “We are trying our best to ensure that the petition is filed but we will see how it goes,” stated Chishala Kateka, president of the New Heritage Party and a member of Mundubile’s alliance.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)