RismadarVoice Reporters
August 28, 2026
Zambia’s main opposition presidential candidate, Brian Muntayalwa Mundubile, has been questioned by police over an alleged treason offence following his defeat in the country’s disputed presidential election.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were taken into police custody after appearing for questioning on Thursday, according to the Zambia Police Service.
Police said the two men were questioned in connection with an alleged treason offence and that “warn and caution” statements had been recorded. Authorities did not immediately provide details of the allegations against them or indicate whether formal charges had been filed.
Mundubile, who contested the election under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, surrendered to police in Lusaka on Thursday after spending about two weeks at an international human rights organisation seeking protection.
He had gone there following a police raid on his residence shortly after the August 13 presidential election.
The development comes amid growing tensions surrounding the election, which President Hakainde Hichilema won with about 60 per cent of the vote. Mundubile secured approximately 38 per cent and had announced plans to challenge the result in court.
The opposition’s legal challenge, however, has been complicated by the closure of Zambia’s judiciary on Monday, which was the final day for filing an election petition.
Authorities cited security reasons for the closure.
Under Article 103 of Zambia’s Constitution, a presidential election petition must be filed within seven days of the declaration of the result. The filing of such a petition automatically suspends the presidential inauguration under Article 104 until the legal process is concluded.
The Constitutional Court subsequently said it had not received a petition challenging Hichilema’s victory, clearing the way for his inauguration for a second term.
Chief Justice Mumba Malila, however, said he had received a petition from a member of the public through his private email address. He described the submission as “highly irregular” but said it had been forwarded to the Constitutional Court for consideration.
The closure of the courts has drawn criticism from human rights and legal organisations. Human Rights Watch described the move as a setback for the rule of law, transparency and due process.
The political tensions have also followed a police operation at Mundubile’s residence during which former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot and killed. Police arrested 11 people during the operation and alleged that they were involved in insurrection or militia activities.
Mundubile has denied the allegations.
The latest developments have raised further concerns among opposition groups and civil society organisations about the political environment following the election and the treatment of opposition figures.
Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term on Tuesday after winning the election in the copper-producing southern African country.
Zambia has maintained a multiparty political system since 1991, with changes of president traditionally taking place through elections. The latest election dispute and subsequent legal and political developments have prompted renewed scrutiny of the country’s democratic institutions.
