Human Rights Commission logs 126 election-related incidents and says courts must stay open in tense political periods

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) recorded 126 election-related incidents during the 2026 general elections, including violence, cases of electoral fraud, voter intimidation and vandalism, according to a statement by its Chairperson, Dr Pamela Sambo, issued on Monday. The Commission also objected to the closure of court premises on 24 August 2026 and said courts must remain accessible during politically sensitive periods. The figures are in the Commission's report on the 2026 General Election, which covers the period from the pre-election phase in 2025 to 30 September 2026. The report looks at voting rights, political participation, freedom of expression and assembly, and other issues. The Commission also monitored cases involving prolonged detention, delayed court appearances and concerns about access to the courts. The closure Dr Sambo referred to happened on the last day on which opposition candidates could file a challenge to the presidential result. A petition had to be filed within seven days of the declaration of results, which meant the deadline fell in the early hours of Tuesday 25 August. On Monday 24 August, courts including the Supreme Court premises, which also house the Constitutional Court, were shut. A memo from the judiciary's chief administrator told staff not to report for work "for security reasons", and police spokesman Godfrey Chilabi said security assessments were continuing but gave no details. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who came second to President Hichilema, had planned to petition the Constitutional Court. Mr Hichilema won about 60 percent of the vote and has denied any fraud. The Commission says access to the courts must not be cut off at such moments. Several of Mr Mundubile's associates had already been arrested by then, and Mr Mundubile and 17 others are now in custody on treason-related charges while asking the High Court for constitutional bail. The Commission's remark on prolonged detention and delayed court appearance