By PR Times Africa
Abuja-Nigeria
LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia’s post-election tensions have intensified after the country’s top courts were closed on Monday, August 24, on the final day for the opposition to challenge the results of the presidential election.
The closure, which authorities attributed to security concerns, affected the Constitutional Court and other courts in Lusaka. Police were also seen around court premises as the opposition sought to meet the legal deadline for filing its petition.
President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner of the August 13 presidential election, securing about 60% of the vote and a second term in office. His main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, received about 38%.
Mundubile has rejected the outcome and said his campaign documented what it described as irregularities and inconsistencies in the conduct, counting, transmission and declaration of the results.
Independent observers have also raised concerns about aspects of the electoral process, including delays and procedural problems during vote tabulation. Hichilema has denied allegations of electoral fraud.
The dispute has become more tense following the arrest of several opposition figures. Authorities have accused some of those arrested of involvement in activities threatening national security, allegations the opposition has rejected.
The United Nations human rights chief has expressed concern over the arrests and called on Zambian authorities to respect due process and human rights.
The closure of the courts has therefore raised fresh questions over whether the opposition would be able to exercise its constitutional right to challenge the election result within the prescribed deadline.
Zambia has traditionally been regarded as one of Southern Africa’s more stable democracies. The unfolding dispute is now being closely watched across the continent as pressure mounts on political leaders and institutions to resolve the matter through constitutional and legal channels.
PR Times Africa will continue to monitor developments in Zambia as the election dispute unfolds.
Source: Reuters / AP
