Zambian authorities closed the country’s top courts on Monday, August 24, citing security concerns, as opposition leader Brian Mundubile faced the final deadline to challenge President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election.
LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia’s top courts were closed on Monday on the final day available for the opposition to file a legal challenge against the results of the August 13 presidential election, raising fresh concerns over the ability of President Hakainde Hichilema’s main challenger to access the courts.
A memorandum from the judiciary’s chief administrator instructed staff not to report to work on Monday for security reasons. Police were also present at the Supreme Court complex in Lusaka, which houses the Constitutional Court.
Police spokesman Godfrey Chilabi said security assessments were ongoing but declined to provide further details. A judiciary spokesperson could not immediately be reached.
The closure came as opposition leader Brian Mundubile prepared to challenge the election results at the Constitutional Court.
Mundubile faces election petition deadline
Mundubile, who came second in the presidential election, had announced plans to contest Hichilema’s victory, citing alleged irregularities in the conduct, counting, transmission and declaration of results.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner with approximately 60 per cent of the vote, compared with about 38 per cent for Mundubile.
Under Zambia’s electoral framework, a presidential election petition must be filed within seven days of the declaration of results, putting the deadline in the early hours of Tuesday.
The court closures therefore came at a particularly sensitive moment, with the opposition facing limited time to lodge its challenge.
At the Supreme Court premises in Lusaka, gates were closed, and police officers could be seen inside the compound.
Despite the disruption, opposition figures said they were still attempting to ensure that the petition was filed.
“We are trying our best to ensure that the petition is filed, but we will see how it goes,” said New Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka, whose party is part of Mundubile’s opposition alliance.
Election result faces opposition challenge
Mundubile has alleged serious irregularities in the electoral process and said his campaign had documented problems surrounding voting, counting, transmission and declaration of results.
The European Union election observer mission also raised concerns about aspects of the tabulation process, including delays and procedural lapses at some tallying centres. Observers reported instances in which polling-centre staff did not immediately record results on tally sheets as required.
The EU mission also reported a heavy military presence at some locations where ballots were being gathered and counted, which it said limited observer access.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia temporarily suspended vote counting during the aftermath of the election following reports of violence against election officials and theft of ballot papers, before later resuming the process.
Hichilema has denied allegations of electoral fraud.
Political tensions rise after election
The court closure is the latest development in an increasingly tense post-election period.
Police recently summoned Mundubile for questioning over alleged national security threats. He has rejected the allegations as fabricated.
Earlier, security forces raided a property where Mundubile was present and arrested 11 people, including opposition figures and associates. The government said those detained were linked to an alleged armed insurrection and that weapons and ammunition were recovered.
The operation involved an exchange of gunfire in which former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed. The government has not publicly brought charges or provided evidence against those detained, while opposition figures and rights groups have raised concerns over due process.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Zambia’s post-election political environment, particularly as the opposition seeks to use constitutional mechanisms to contest the results.
Hichilema begins second term amid scrutiny
Hichilema was re-elected after campaigning on his economic record and his government’s efforts to steer Zambia through debt restructuring following the country’s 2020 sovereign default.
His administration has pointed to improved macroeconomic conditions and renewed relations with international lenders, while critics argue that economic improvements have not sufficiently eased poverty and the cost of living.
The president has also pledged to build on the economic recovery during his second term, including expanding employment and investment.
