Zambian courts sealed off as election petition deadline nears

Police have sealed off court buildings in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and other locations as Monday's deadline nears for filing a petition against the result of the recent presidential election. The affected sites include the High Court, the Supreme Court — which also houses the Constitutional Court — and several local courts. It remains unclear when the buildings will reopen.

Lawyers who arrived at the courts on Monday were told to leave. One lawyer told the BBC that three armed men approached his vehicle, identified themselves, and ordered him away from the area.

Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who took 38% of the vote and finished second, has said he intends to challenge the result, citing irregularities. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60% of the vote. Mundubile is currently in hiding after alleged threats against him, staying at a secure location that his campaign says is under the protection of an international human rights body.

The post-election period has been marked by controversy, including the death of former minister and opposition figure Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid, which officials described as an exchange of fire, along with the arrest of other opposition figures. These events have prompted calls for independent investigations from rights groups and the Law Association of Zambia. Amnesty International called Kafwaya's killing "deeply alarming" and urged a prompt, thorough and impartial inquiry.

Despite the tension, preparations for Hichilema's inauguration, scheduled for 1 September, appear to be continuing, with the youth and sport ministry organising an inspection visit to National Heroes Stadium.

Regional and international observers described the 13 August election day itself as largely peaceful, but raised concerns about late electoral reforms and restricted media access ahead of the vote. The EU observation mission flagged an intimidating military presence during vote tallying, reports of attacks on some tallying centres, and weak verification between digital and paper records. It called for maximal transparency, noting that the electoral commission had not published separate polling-station results.