Zambian opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says he will challenge President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election in court, alleging serious irregularities in the August 13 presidential election.
Mundubile said his campaign had documented what he described as “serious irregularities and inconsistencies” involving voting, vote counting, the transmission of results and the declaration of the winner.
Zambia’s electoral commission declared Hichilema the winner with about 60 percent of the vote, while Mundubile received around 38 percent.
Although the election was largely peaceful, opposition parties alleged that their campaigns were affected by intimidation and restrictions. International observers also raised concerns about reports of intimidation and violence.
Tensions increased after voting ended, with authorities arresting 11 people, including prominent opposition figures, during a raid that involved an exchange of gunfire while Mundubile was present.
Vote counting was also suspended for several hours following reports of violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern over the arrests and called for them to comply with international human rights standards and Zambian law.
Hichilema, who won a second term after overseeing an economic recovery and debt restructuring programme, has also faced criticism during his first term over accusations of restricting political dissent.
He is expected to be sworn in within seven days of the official results being published, with the deadline set for August 24. However, Mundubile’s planned legal challenge could delay the inauguration.
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