Zambia elections: Courts sealed as election petition deadline looms - BBC News

Preparations for President Hakainde Hichilema's second inauguration appear to be continuing.

Image source, ReutersImage caption, Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile said he would challenge the presidential election result in court

Court premises in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and elsewhere have been shut as the deadline for filing a petition against the outcome of the recent presidential election approaches.

An unusual police presence has been reported at some courts, which have been taped off to prevent access.

Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile said he would challenge the election result, citing irregularities, after coming second with a 38% share of the vote. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won a second term with 60%.

Mundubile is in hiding over alleged threats made against him, amid a post-election period marked by controversy, including the shooting dead of an opposition figure and the arrest of others.