Court closures in Zambia ahead of election petition deadline

Courts across Zambia, including Lusaka’s High Court and the Supreme/Constitutional Courts, were closed and barricaded on the final day to file a petition contesting the election results amid security concerns. Police presence was unusually high and access was restricted with tape, with reports of armed men instructing people to leave court premises. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who finished with 38% of the vote, says he will challenge the results as irregularities are cited and is currently in hiding under protection. Rights groups and legal bodies warned that shutting the judiciary could threaten access to justice and democracy, as investigations into violence and arrests continue to loom. Despite the closures, preparations for President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration remain underway, including inspections at the National Heroes Stadium. The events have prompted international commentary on democratic processes and the unprecedented nature of a near-total judicial shutdown on a critical petition deadline.