State House Denies Hh Ordered Court Closure to Block Election Petitions

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.