Zambia’s opposition has appealed to the African Union to intervene in the country’s post-election dispute and prevent the planned inauguration of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema on September 1.
Emmanuel Mwamba, a former diplomat with the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, urged the continental body to act before the swearing-in, warning that the inauguration could undermine efforts to subject the disputed election to judicial scrutiny.
In a letter to the African Union, Mwamba cited the closure of Zambia’s Constitutional Court Registry by security forces on Monday, which he said occurred on the final day the opposition was legally entitled to file a petition challenging the election outcome.
He also raised concerns over the reported deployment of military personnel at polling stations and a security operation at the residence of Brian Mundubile, the main opposition candidate.
Hichilema was declared the winner of the August 13 presidential election with about 60 per cent of the vote. However, independent observers have reportedly raised questions about the accuracy of the results, including claims that his tally may have been inflated. Hichilema has denied allegations of electoral fraud.
The Constitutional Court Registry, however, said it had not received any presidential election petition by the close of business on August 25.
A judiciary spokesperson also confirmed that Hichilema’s inauguration would go ahead on September 1, in accordance with Zambia’s constitutional provisions.
The opposition’s appeal to the African Union now places the regional body under pressure to respond to the allegations before the scheduled inauguration, amid growing concerns over the credibility of the election and the handling of legal challenges.
