The Zambian judiciary has effectively ceased operations in Lusaka, with court premises—including the Supreme and Constitutional Courts—taped off and guarded by armed personnel.
This lockdown comes at the critical final hour for opposition candidate Brian Mundubile to file a formal petition challenging the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema, who secured 60% of the vote.
Lawyers attempting to access the courts have been turned away by armed men, and a judiciary memo has ordered staff to stay home, citing vague 'security reasons.' While the opposition claims the move is a deliberate attempt to block a legal challenge, the government continues full-steam ahead with preparations for Hichilema’s September 1st inauguration.
The atmosphere in the country remains tense following a post-election period marked by the death of an opposition figure during a security raid and the subsequent flight of Mundubile into hiding. The Law Association of Zambia has expressed grave concern over the lack of transparency and the immediate threat to the rule of law.
International observers, including the EU, previously flagged concerns regarding an 'uneven contest,' noting restricted media access and an intimidating military presence during the tallying process.
As the clock runs out on the legal window for a petition, the closure of these institutions raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary.
Tags
