State House has rejected allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered the closure of courts on Monday, August 24, 2026, to prevent the opposition from filing election petitions.
In a statement issued by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, says the allegation is inconsistent with the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers, stressing that the President has no authority to determine when, how or from whom the Judiciary receives court filings.
Mr. Hamasaka says Monday’s security measures were part of intelligence-led risk assessments conducted at several key government institutions and were not targeted at the judiciary or any particular litigant.
The affected institutions included facilities under the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the National Prosecution Authority, and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
State House says the measures were preventive and intended to protect government institutions, public officers, and members of the public accessing the premises.
It further argues that the temporary disruption of access to government premises should not be interpreted as a denial of the constitutional right to seek judicial remedy.
Mr. Hamaska has also pointed to previous instances when court operations were suspended, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying such measures have been taken before for reasons unrelated to pending cases.
The statement comes amid claims that the closure of courts on Monday may have prevented opposition parties and other aggrieved candidates from filing election petitions within the constitutionally prescribed period.
State House, however, says the courts had remained operational and received filings during the working days following the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s declaration of the presidential election results on August 18.
he says no petition challenging the presidential election result was filed during that period.
Mr Hamadaka has challenged anyone claiming they were prevented from filing a petition to produce the petition itself and evidence showing when and how an attempt was made to lodge it.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
