Zambian authorities suddenly closed and cordoned off the courts without credible explanation on August 24, 2026, effectively blocking the filing of any legal challenges to the results of the August 13 presidential election, according to Human Rights Watch. The authorities should immediately allow the courts to reopen. Zambian police stated that the closures were an 'intelligence-led and preventive measure,' without providing details. A notice from the chief administrator of the judiciary to court staff said the court premises were closed 'for security reasons.' The courts' closure coincided with the deadline to file any legal challenges to declaring the incumbent, President Hakainde Hichilema, the winner.
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