Zambia Courts Shut Ahead of Petition Deadline

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:52:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Court buildings are sealed as opposition leader Brian Mundubile prepares to challenge President Hichilema’s re‑election amid rising security concerns.

Zambia’s High and Supreme Courts have been closed in a move that coincides with the final day to file a petition against the presidential election. An unusual police presence and armed men outside court premises have raised doubts about the independence of the judiciary. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who finished second with 38% of the vote, is in a secure location after threats and arrests of other leaders. The closure threatens access to justice as the nation approaches Hichilema’s inauguration on 1 September. Legal bodies and rights groups demand a full explanation and investigation into the security incidents that have surrounded the post‑election period.

Court premises in the Zambian capital of Lusaka and other locations have been sealed as the deadline for filing a petition against the presidential election result approaches.

An unusual police presence has been reported at several courts, which have been taped off to prevent access. Lawyers arriving on Monday were told to leave, and one recounted how armed men, identifying themselves, instructed him to depart.

Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile said he would challenge the election result, citing irregularities after finishing second with 38% of the vote. The incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won a second term with 60%.

Mundubile is in hiding after alleged threats, with a previous security raid killing former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and several other opposition figures. His campaign claims he is protected by an international human‑rights body.

The Monday deadline could impact Hichilema’s inauguration, scheduled for 1 September. The Courts’ closure has no official explanation and the Ministry of Justice, as well as the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), have expressed grave concerns about access to justice.

LAZ said the untouched memorandum and the presence of heavily armed military personnel around court premises signaled a potential attempt to prevent Mundubile from filing a petition. LAZ also noted that the timing was “particularly significant in the present electoral context.”

Amnesty International called the killing of Kafwaya “deeply alarming” and urged prompt, thorough investigations. The EU observation mission praised the relative calm during voting but warned that a heavy military presence and alleged attacks on tallying centres made for an uneven contest.

Meanwhile, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration continue. The youth and sport ministry has issued a media invitation for journalists to inspect arrangements at the National Heroes Stadium, where the ceremony is expected to take place.

The closure of courts and the timing of the petition deadline have intensified concerns about the rule of law in Zambia and the upcoming transition of power.