Court premises in Zambia, including the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court, and several local courts, have been sealed off with an unusual police presence reported. Lawyers arriving at the courts today, 24 August 2026, were instructed to leave the area.
Today marks the deadline for filing a petition against the outcome of the recent presidential election. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who came second with 38% of the vote, has stated his intention to challenge the result due to alleged irregularities. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60% of the vote.
Mr Mundubile is reportedly in hiding following alleged threats against him. This period has also seen the shooting death of an opposition figure and the arrest of others. Despite these developments, preparations for President Hichilema's inauguration, scheduled for 1 September, appear to be continuing.