Zambia’s main opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, is currently under intense scrutiny following police questioning concerning alleged treason. Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, are in custody after being questioned ‘in connection with an alleged offence of treason,’ according to the Zambia Police Service, which stated on Thursday that the investigation began after a police raid at Mundubile’s home the day after the August 13 elections. The two were interviewed by a team of police officers alongside their lawyers. Police did not immediately provide further details of the allegations underpinning the treason investigation, stating that ‘warn and caution’ statements had been recorded, a step typically preceding formal charges. The allegations center on alleged insurrection or militia activity, a claim Mundubile vehemently denies. The situation follows a significant escalation from two weeks ago, during which former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed during a police crackdown at Mundubile’s home, resulting in the arrest of 11 people. Police asserted that the group’s involvement in alleged insurrection or militia activity constitutes a serious offense in Zambia and carries severe penalties upon conviction. President Hakainde Hichilema secured 60% of the vote in the August 13 election, and is due to be sworn in as president for a second term on Tuesday. The election results were disputed by opposition leaders. Mundubile, who won approximately 38% of the vote, has promised to challenge the outcome in court, but Zambia closed its entire judiciary on Monday, the last day for filing an objection, citing ‘security reasons.’ Under Article 103 of the Zambian Constitution, an election petition must be filed within seven days of the winner being declared. Filing the challenge automatically pauses the presidential swearing-in under Article 104. However, the Constitutional Court stated on Tuesday that it had not received any petition challenging the election outcome, clearing the way for Hichilema to be sworn into office. However, Chief Justice Mumba Malila said he had received a petition from a member of the public on his private email address. He called the submission ‘highly irregular’ but said he had referred it to the Constitutional Court for consideration. Legal and rights groups have criticized the timing of the abrupt closure of the courts, with Human Rights Watch (HRW) stating it was a ‘blow to the administration of law, transparency, and due process in Zambia.’ Hichilema entered the race as the clear favourite following a major economic turnaround and restructuring of Zambia’s debt. Opposition parties and civil society organizations have raised concerns over increasing repression by Hichilema’s government. Rights groups and election observer missions have said the post-election dispute has tarnished Zambia’s democratic reputation. Every change of president since the return to multiparty politics in 1991 has been achieved through elections. The document traces the history of Zambia’s political landscape, highlighting the frequent transitions and the importance of electoral processes.
Source: Al Jazeera Africa
