Zambia’s main opposition presidential candidate, Brian Mundubile, has been questioned by police over alleged treason following the country’s disputed presidential election.
Mundubile, who finished second in the August 13 election, and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were taken into police custody and questioned in the presence of their lawyers. Police said they were investigating an alleged treason offence but did not provide further details.
Mundubile surrendered to police in Lusaka on August 27 after spending about two weeks at an international human rights organisation. He had sought protection there following a police raid on his home shortly after the election.
The opposition leader had previously pledged to challenge President Hakainde Hichilema’s victory in court. However, Zambia’s judiciary was unexpectedly closed on August 24, citing security concerns, on the final day for filing an election petition.
Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60 percent of the vote, while Mundubile secured approximately 38 percent. Opposition parties disputed the results and raised concerns about the electoral process.
Under Zambia’s Constitution, an election petition must be filed within seven days of the results being declared. Filing a valid petition would automatically suspend the presidential inauguration until the case was determined.
The closure of the courts prevented the opposition from filing its challenge within the deadline. The Constitutional Court later said it had received no petition challenging the election result, clearing the way for Hichilema’s second-term inauguration.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, criticised the closure, warning that it undermined the rule of law, transparency and due process.
The latest developments have also raised wider concerns about Zambia’s democratic space. Opposition parties and civil society groups have accused Hichilema’s government of increasing repression, while election observers have warned that the post-election dispute could damage the country’s democratic reputation.
Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday.
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