Zambia closes courts on last day to file election challenge

On the last day allowed to file a challenge to this month’s disputed election in Zambia, the country’s top courts were abruptly closed, preventing opposition leader Brian Mundubile from submitting his petition. The authorities cited security reasons for shutting down the premises, with the chief administrator of the judiciary advising staff not to report for work. Police spokesman Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the ongoing security assessments but did not provide further details.

Mundubile had planned to challenge the results of the August 13 election, in which he finished second to President Hakainde Hichilema. The deadline for filing such a challenge was seven days after the announcement of the results, which would have been early Tuesday. Hichilema secured approximately 60% of the vote in Zambia, a copper-producing nation in Southern Africa, but independent observers raised concerns about possible vote inflation. Hichilema has consistently denied any allegations of fraud.

Following the arrests of some of his associates, Mundubile was summoned by police for questioning regarding alleged national security threats, which he claims are baseless. Analysts and human rights lawyers suspect that he might be obstructed from filing his petition. However, Hichilema’s party stated that Mundubile is still within his rights to utilize the available legal avenues.

Opposition alliance member and New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka acknowledged the challenges but expressed their ongoing efforts to facilitate the filing of the petition.