Zambia’s opposition leader, Brian Mundubile, has announced plans to challenge in court the results of the August 13 presidential election, which handed President Hakainde Hichilema a second term in office.
Mundubile, in a statement on Wednesday, said his campaign had documented what he described as “serious irregularities” and inconsistencies in the conduct of the election, including the counting, transmission and declaration of results.
Although the election was largely peaceful, the opposition alleged that its campaign was characterised by intimidation and restrictions. Some of these concerns were also raised by international election observers.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner with about 60 per cent of the votes, while Mundubile secured approximately 38 per cent.
The opposition’s legal challenge comes amid growing concerns over the country’s security situation following the election.
Police arrested several prominent opposition figures on election night, alleging that they posed a threat to state security.
Authorities also confirmed that former cabinet minister and opposition lawmaker Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during a security-force raid at Mundubile’s residence a day after the election.
Meanwhile, the electoral commission temporarily suspended the counting of votes after reports of violence against polling officials and the theft of ballot papers.
Mundubile, who issued his statement from an undisclosed location, said he was under protection because of unspecified threats.
The developments have drawn international concern, with UN human rights chief Volker Türk urging the Zambian authorities to end arbitrary arrests and ensure due process for those detained.
Mundubile’s planned court challenge is expected to further test the credibility of the election and the country’s commitment to democratic and legal processes.
