Zambia courts sealed as election petition deadline looms

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:30:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zambia's courts shut, police block entrances, while opposition plans a court challenge ahead of the president’s September inauguration.

The courts of Zambia’s capital have been sealed, the last day to file an election challenge fast approaching. Opposition presidential hopeful Brian Mundubile, who polled 38% of the vote, vows to take the case to court. Police stand guard outside court buildings amid recent arrests and the death of an opposition figure. The closure creates uncertainty before the president Hichilema’s 1 September inauguration.

Zambia’s court buildings are sealed as the deadline to file an election petition moves closer.

Police line up outside the High Court in Lusaka and the Supreme Court, prompting lawyers and journalists to leave the premises. The move comes as opposition presidential hopeful Brian Mundubile, who secured 38% of the vote, intends to challenge the results in court after the incumbent Hichilema won a second term with 60%.

Mundubile has been hiding under the protection of an international rights group amid threats and the recent death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid. His case could delay the president’s inauguration scheduled for 1 September.

Amnesty International and the Law Association of Zambia have called for an independent investigation into Kafwaya’s killing and the arrests of opposition figures. The European Union’s observation mission noted a heavy military presence, intimidation of tally stations and a lack of transparency in vote‑tally records.

The courts remain sealed and the timeline for reopening is unclear, but preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration continue. A media invitation from the youth and sport ministry coordinates a site visit to the National Heroes Stadium, the expected venue for the ceremony.