POST-ELECTION PROCESS: AMBASSADORS RAISE CONCERNS WITH EU OBSERVERS
Ambassadors Muhabi Lungu and George Chulumanda today met with the European Union Election Observation Mission Zambia to formally present serious concerns surrounding the post-election petition process and the circumstances affecting access to the courts.
During the engagement, Ambassador Lungu highlighted several issues of concern:
1. Closure of the Courts on Deadline Day
On the day designated as the working deadline for filing the legal petition, the team arrived to find the courts abruptly closed, with “security concerns” cited as the reason.
2. Selective Closure of Institutions
Questions were raised over why the judiciary was closed while other critical institutions—including the Bank of Zambia, Revenue House, government ministries, embassies and airports—continued operating normally.
3. Public Notice and Observer Engagement
Before the attempted filing, Ambassador Lungu had publicly addressed the matter to Hot FM radio and notified key observer groups, seeking to ensure that independent witnesses were present during the filing process.
4. Concerns Over Political Interference
The delegation also raised concerns about alleged attempts to interfere with political partners and compromise leadership within political platforms that participated in the recent elections.
5. Protecting the Constitutional Right to Challenge Elections
The delegation strongly rejected the use of unsubstantiated allegations involving treason, terrorism or militia activities to intimidate citizens or discourage a lawful constitutional challenge.
The central message was clear:
If there are allegations, let the evidence be presented openly before the courts. The constitutional right to seek legal redress must not be undermined through intimidation, administrative obstacles or political pressure.
The delegation has called on international observation missions to remain attentive to these developments, particularly because post-election dispute resolution and respect for democratic institutions are essential components of a credible electoral process.
Zambia needs transparency, accountability and the rule of law—not silence when difficult questions are being asked.
By Bwembya mwaume
Political commentator
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