Court premises in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and other regional courts have been sealed off as the deadline to file an election petition approaches. Police and armed personnel now surround the High Court, the Supreme Court, and several local courts, making it difficult for lawyers to reach the buildings.
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who attracted 38 % of the vote in the August 13 election, announced a legal challenge to the result citing irregularities. He entered hiding following threats and the arrest of opposition figures, as well as the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a police raid.
The submission deadline is Monday, 27 November. Filing a petition could affect President‑elect Hakainde Hichilema’s scheduled inauguration on 1 September and potentially void the election if the Constitutional Court finds wrongdoing.
Law firm representatives reported that lawyers arriving at courts were asked to leave, and one was approached by armed men who insisted he depart the premises. The closures were deemed a security measure, but the judiciary’s memorandum to staff was unsigned, denying a specific reason for the shut‑down.
The Law Association of Zambia expressed deep concern, stating that the measure "has immediate implications for access to justice for persons requiring urgent judicial intervention" and that the timing—just days before the nomination period for petitions—was alarming. They urged an explanation and swift reopening of the courts.
Opposition voice Emmanuel Mwamba described the closures as a tactic to prevent Mundubile from filing, while critics argue that it undermines judicial independence. Amnesty International and other rights groups have called for a thorough, impartial investigation into the killing of Kafwaya and the broader security crackdown.
Despite the court shutdown, officials are preparing the National Heroes Stadium for Hichilema’s inauguration. The youth and sport ministry has invited media to inspect arrangements, signalling that the ceremony will likely proceed as planned.
Electoral observers noted that while the August poll was largely peaceful, concerns remained about late‑day reforms, media freedom, and a heavy military presence that intimidated voters and disrupted tallying. They asked for transparency and the publication of detailed polling‑station results.
The unfolding situation underscores Zambia’s fragile political environment, where judicial access, political competition, and security concerns intersect in the run‑up to the country’s key political transition. The coming days will determine whether the courts remain closed, how the petition challenge unfolds, and whether the scheduled inauguration can proceed without legal or political interruptions.
