Court premises in Lusaka and elsewhere have been sealed as the deadline for filing a petition against the recent presidential election approaches.
An unusual police presence and armed men have been seen around the High Court, the Supreme Court and several local courts, with court staff reportedly instructed not to report to work for “security reasons”.
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who finished second with 38% of the vote, said he would challenge the election result citing alleged irregularities. He has gone into hiding after threats and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid.
The courts’ closure, which could affect the restoration of justice, comes just one day before the seventh‑day period within which a person may petition the Constitutional Court to nullify a president‑elect’s mandate. The Law Association of Zambia has expressed “grave concern” over the shutdown and the heavy security presence.
Meanwhile, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration on 1 September continue, with media invited to inspect arrangements at the National Heroes Stadium.
Amnesty International and other rights groups have called for an independent investigation into Kafwaya’s killing and the arrests of opposition figures, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on dissent.
EU election observers noted that restricted media freedom and a heavy military presence may have created an uneven contest, noting concerns about the transmission of tally sheets and the lack of separate polling‑station results.
The judiciary’s lack of a formal explanation for the imminent court closures and the uncertain reopening timeline fuel worries about the health of Zambia’s democratic institutions.
