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Authorities have sealed off court premises in Lusaka and across Zambia as the deadline to file petitions challenging the presidential election results approaches.
Armed police and military personnel taped off major judicial sites—including the High Court, Supreme Court, and Constitutional Court—preventing legal teams and staff from accessing the facilities.
Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who placed second with 38 per cent of the vote behind incumbent Hakainde Hichilema’s 60 per cent, said he would challenge the outcome over alleged irregularities.
Mundubile remains in hiding following the death of an opposition figure and subsequent arrests of political allies.
Lawyers attempting to enter court grounds reported being turned away by armed security personnel, while internal judiciary memos instructed staff to stay home, citing unspecified “security reasons.”
The Law Association of Zambia and international observers expressed heavy concern over the closures and the presence of armed military forces.
Rights organisations note that shutting down judicial facilities directly restricts access to justice during the critical constitutional window required to challenge election outcomes.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for President Hichilema’s scheduled inauguration at National Heroes Stadium.
