Court premises in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and elsewhere have been shut as the deadline for submitting a petition against the consequence of the current presidential election approaches.

An uncommon police presence has been reported at some courts, which have been taped off to forestall entry.

Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile said he would problem the election end result, citing irregularities, after coming second with a 38% share of the vote. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won a second time period with 60%.

Mundubile is in hiding over alleged threats made against him, amid a post-election interval marked by controversy, including the taking pictures lifeless of an opposition determine and the arrest of others.

Monday is the last day on which petition against the presidential election end result can be filed. Such a petition could doubtlessly have an effect on the inauguration of Hichilema, which is scheduled for 1 September.

On Monday, attorneys who arrived at the courts were being requested to depart.

One lawyer informed the BBC that three armed males approached his automobile, recognized themselves, and instructed him to go away the space.

The courts that have been sealed off embrace the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court, which also homes the Constitutional Court, and several native courts.

It is unclear when the premises will reopen. The BBC has contacted the Zambian police and the judiciary for remark.

Local media cite a directive by a judiciary administrative official telling all employees not to report to work following the closure of courts for “security reasons”.

The memo, which has also been shared on-line by some opposition figures, does not give particulars of the safety state of affairs.

Some commentators have raised issues over the closure while questioning the independence of the judiciary.

A outstanding voice for the opposition, Emmanuel Mwamba, alleged the motion was aimed at stopping Mundubile from submitting his presidential election petition.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) said it was involved by the closure of the courts and the presence of closely armed navy personnel around courtroom premises in Lusaka.

It said there was no formal public clarification for the closure nor its expected length.

Referring to the “unsigned memorandum” from the judiciary addressing employees, it said no further official data had been supplied to attorneys and the public.

“The closure of the courts has immediate implications for access to justice, particularly for persons requiring urgent judicial intervention,” it said in a assertion

It said the timing was “particularly significant in the present electoral context”, citing a “seven-day period” in which a particular person may “petition the Constitutional Court to nullify the election of a President-elect”.