Zambia courts sealed off as election petition deadline looms

Court premises in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and elsewhere have been shut as the deadline for filing a petition against the outcome of the recent presidential election approaches.

An unusual police presence has been reported at some courts, which have been taped off to prevent access.

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

Mundubile is in hiding over alleged threats made against him, amid a post-election period marked by controversy, including the shooting dead of an opposition figure and the arrest of others.

Monday is the last day on which petition against the presidential election result can be filed. Such a petition could potentially affect the inauguration of Hichilema, which is scheduled for 1 September.

On Monday, lawyers who arrived at the courts were being asked to depart.

One lawyer said that three armed men approached his vehicle, identified themselves, and instructed him to leave the area.

The courts that have been sealed off include the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court, which also houses the Constitutional Court, and several local courts.

Local media cite a directive by a judiciary administrative official telling all staff not to report to work following the closure of courts for “security reasons”.

The memo, which has also been shared online by some opposition figures, does not give details of the security situation

Some commentators have raised concerns over the closure while questioning the independence of the judiciary.

A prominent voice for the opposition, Emmanuel Mwamba, alleged the action was aimed at preventing Mundubile from filing his presidential election petition.

Despite the court closure, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration appear to be continuing.

The youth and sport ministry has issued a media invitation for journalists to accompany a cabinet official on an inspection of arrangements at National Heroes Stadium, where the ceremony is expected to take place.

Mundubile last week rejected the presidential election results and said he planned to challenge the outcome through the courts.