Zambia Opposition Leader Mundubile to Challenge Hichilema’s Election Victory in Court

Zambia’s opposition leader Brian Mundubile says he will challenge the results of the August 13 presidential election in court, disputing the victory that secured President Hakainde Hichilema a second term.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mundubile 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.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner with approximately 60 percent of the vote, compared with about 38 percent for Mundubile.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Election

Although the election was largely peaceful, Mundubile’s campaign alleged that opposition supporters faced intimidation and restrictions during the electoral process.

Some of those concerns were also raised by international election observers, adding pressure on authorities to address allegations surrounding the conduct of the vote.

The dispute now moves towards the courts, where Mundubile's campaign is expected to present evidence supporting its claims and seek legal remedies over the results.

Mundubile issued his statement from an undisclosed location, saying he was under protection because of unspecified threats.

Security Tensions Escalate

The election dispute has unfolded alongside a worsening security situation in the country.

Police arrested several prominent opposition figures on election night, accusing them of posing a threat to state security.

Authorities have also confirmed the death of former cabinet minister and opposition MP Mutotwe Kafwaya, who was shot during a security operation at Mundubile’s home a day after the election.

The circumstances surrounding Kafwaya’s death remain contentious, with the opposition rejecting allegations that its political alliance was linked to militia or insurgent activity.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of the government's handling of opposition figures following the election.

Vote Counting Disrupted

The electoral commission also suspended vote counting for several hours after reports of violence against polling staff and the theft of ballot papers.

The disruptions have become part of the opposition’s broader argument that the election process was affected by serious irregularities.

Mundubile has called for the disputed issues to be examined through the judicial process, as his campaign prepares to contest Hichilema’s victory.

UN Calls for Due Process

The post-election tensions have attracted international concern.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has urged Zambian authorities to end arbitrary arrests and ensure that people detained in connection with the political unrest are afforded due process.

The calls come as Zambia faces the challenge of resolving the election dispute while preventing further deterioration in political and security conditions.

Mundubile’s planned court challenge is likely to become a significant test of Zambia’s electoral and judicial institutions. The case could also determine how the country moves forward after a closely watched election and amid growing concerns over political freedoms and security.

For now, Hichilema remains the declared winner, while the opposition prepares to take its challenge to court.