Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambian capital, Lusaka, and surrounding areas have been effectively sealed as the deadline for filing a petition against the outcome of the recent presidential election approaches. An unusual police presence has been reported at several courts, with tape-off operations underway to restrict access. This situation, characterized by heightened tension and controversy, has sparked concerns about potential challenges to the election results and the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema, scheduled for September 1st.
The opposition candidate, Brian Mundubile, has challenged the election result, citing irregularities and alleging he would challenge the outcome through the courts. Mundubile is currently in hiding, fearing threats against his life, amid a period marked by escalating political activity. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with a 60% victory, following a 38% share of the vote.
Monday marks the final day for petitioning against the election. Such a petition could potentially affect Hichilema’s inauguration, a crucial event that is now facing significant uncertainty. Lawyers have arrived at the courts, with one witness reporting being approached by three armed men. The courts sealed off the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, and several local courts, signifying a significant disruption to the electoral process. The BBC has been unable to confirm when the premises will reopen, and the organization has contacted the Zambian police and judiciary for clarification.
Despite this, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration appear to be continuing. The youth and sport ministry has issued a media invitation for journalists to accompany a cabinet official on an inspection of arrangements at National Heroes Stadium, the location of the ceremony. Mundubile last week rejected the election results and stated his intention to challenge the outcome through the courts. He remains in a secure location under the protection of an ‘international human rights body,’ according to his campaign.
The arrests of opposition figures and the death of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, who was killed during a raid by security officers in the capital, prompted calls from rights groups and the Law Association of Zambia for an independent investigation. Amnesty International described Kafwaya’s killing as ‘deeply alarming’ and called for swift, thorough, and impartial investigations. The Law Association of Zambia similarly expressed ‘grave concern’ and demanded investigation.
Furthermore, the EU observation mission raised concerns about restrictions on the opposition, stating that these may have contributed to an ‘uneven contest.’ The EU mission also noted that restrictions on the opposition may have contributed to an ‘uneven contest’.
On vote tallying, the mission described a heavy military presence as intimidating and reported of attacks on some tallying centres. Staff in many centres did not record results on tally sheets as soon as they were announced, citing weak verification between digital entries and paper records. It added that returning officers frequently paused proceedings while awaiting instructions from headquarters.
The EU mission also called for ‘maximal transparency’ over the poll outcome, noting that the electoral commission did not publish separate polling-station results.
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Source: BBC Africa
