Access to Zambian courts restricted ahead of election petition deadline
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Zambian authorities closed the High Court and Supreme Court in Lusaka and other locations on the final day for filing challenges against the August 13 presidential election, which incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won with 60% of the vote. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who received 38% of the vote, intended to file a petition citing irregularities but remains in hiding following the death of a former minister and the arrest of other opposition figures. Lawyers attempting to access the courts were ordered to leave by armed men, and a judiciary administrative official issued a memo directing staff to stay away due to unspecified security reasons. While the judiciary restricted access, preparations continued for Hichilema’s inauguration scheduled for September 1.
Consequences
The continued closure of court premises prevents the formal filing of a legal challenge, potentially clearing the path for Hichilema’s September 1 inauguration despite ongoing opposition claims of electoral irregularities. The lack of judicial access and reports of intimidation have raised concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary and could further exacerbate tensions between the government and opposition factions.
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