LINK: Over 3000 Zambians sign petition pleading with ICC to intervene in country’s post-election crisis

14 Views More than 3000 Zambians have signed a petition seeking the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in addressing what is being called the country’s post-election crisis. The petition prepared by Voice of Zambia Chairperson Beverly Kunda is calling on the ICC to investigate and take action against what she describes as injustices […]

14 Views

More than 3000 Zambians have signed a petition seeking the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in addressing what is being called the country’s post-election crisis.

The petition prepared by Voice of Zambia Chairperson Beverly Kunda is calling on the ICC to investigate and take action against what she describes as injustices taking place in the country.

“We need the ICC to step in and assess the potential human rights violations occurring in Zambia. By doing so, it can reinforce the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

“Our demand is simple yet crucial for the future of our nation: we urge the ICC to evaluate the current circumstances and intervene where necessary to protect the rights and freedoms of all Zambians.

“We seek not only immediate attention to prevent further erosion of our democratic institutions but also long-term solutions to ensure accountability and transparency in our political system,” adds Kunda.

Below is the full statement:

As a concerned Zambian, I am deeply alarmed by the post-election situation in our beloved country. Recently, Opposition Leader Brian Mundubile intended to file a petition challenging the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema.

In a shocking turn of events, the judiciary was ordered to close nationwide, obstructing the legal process. This move not only undermines our democratic framework but also strips the Zambian people of their right to seek justice through lawful means.

Zambians are left in a state of uncertainty, unable to voice their grievances or pursue justice within our own borders. It is a stark reality when the very institutions designed to protect our democratic rights are used to suppress them.

This situation is a gross violation of the principles of democracy and justice, and it is in urgent need of international attention.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has the power to investigate and take action against such injustices. We need the ICC to step in and assess the potential human rights violations occurring in Zambia. By doing so, it can reinforce the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

Our demand is simple yet crucial for the future of our nation: we urge the ICC to evaluate the current circumstances and intervene where necessary to protect the rights and freedoms of all Zambians.

We seek not only immediate attention to prevent further erosion of our democratic institutions but also long-term solutions to ensure accountability and transparency in our political system.

I implore every global citizen who values democracy and justice to stand with us. Your support is vital in protecting the democratic rights of the Zambian people and ensuring that our voices are heard. Please sign this petition and help us restore justice and democracy in Zambia.

Events Leading Up To the Closure of Courts:

1.⁠ ⁠Closure of Courts and Denial of the Right to Petition

On the day citizens and opposition parties attempted to file petitions challenging the credibility of the election results, the Chief Justice of Zambia ordered the closure of all courts nationwide. This action has effectively blocked every legal avenue for citizens to seek redress, challenge electoral irregularities, or exercise our constitutional right to petition.

This unprecedented shutdown of the judiciary has left the nation without access to justice and has placed Zambia in a state of constitutional paralysis.

2.⁠ ⁠Military Interference in Electoral Processes

During and after the election, armed soldiers were deployed to polling stations and tallying centres, contrary to established electoral laws and democratic norms. Their presence created an atmosphere of intimidation and fear, and in several locations, military personnel were reported to have interfered with the counting and transmission of results.

This constitutes a direct violation of Zambia’s constitutional provisions and international democratic standards.

3.⁠ ⁠Manipulation of Election Results

There is widespread evidence — including videos, photographs, tally sheets, and witness testimonies — showing that:

•⁠ ⁠Polling staff affiliated with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced incorrect figures.
•⁠ ⁠In multiple constituencies, presidential vote totals did not match parliamentary vote totals, despite being cast by the same voters at the same polling stations.
•⁠ ⁠In areas with turnout below 40%, presidential results were inflated to tens of thousands of votes, far exceeding the combined totals of all parliamentary candidates.
•⁠ ⁠Ballot papers were stolen, tampered with, or replaced.
•⁠ ⁠Polling agents were beaten, threatened, or chased away from tallying centres.

These irregularities strongly indicate systematic manipulation of the election outcome.

4.⁠ ⁠Declaration of a Losing Candidate as Winner

Despite credible evidence showing that the declared winner did not receive the majority of legitimate votes, the Electoral Commission announced results that contradict tally sheets from polling stations. Citizens attempting to challenge this declaration have been met with violence, arrests, and intimidation.

5.⁠ ⁠Collapse of the Rule of Law

The executive branch has taken control of all three arms of government:

•⁠ ⁠The judiciary has been shut down.
•⁠ ⁠The military has been deployed against civilians.
•⁠ ⁠The police have been used to suppress dissent.
•⁠ ⁠Citizens attempting to petition have been blocked, threatened, or assaulted.

This situation represents a complete breakdown of constitutional order and a violation of Zambia’s obligations under international human rights law.

6.⁠ ⁠Request for Immediate International Intervention

Given that local remedies are unavailable, and citizens have been deprived of access to justice, I respectfully request the following:

1.⁠ ⁠An urgent investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Council into the human rights violations and electoral manipulation in Zambia.
2.⁠ ⁠Monitoring and documentation of abuses committed by state actors, including the military and police.
3.⁠ ⁠Pressure on the Government of Zambia to reopen the courts and allow citizens to file election petitions.
4.⁠ ⁠Protection for witnesses, polling agents, and citizens who have been threatened or attacked.
5.⁠ ⁠Support for an independent international audit of the election results.

The people of Zambia are peaceful, democratic, and law‑abiding. We seek only justice, transparency, and the restoration of our constitutional rights.