Zambia's democratic institutions are under intense scrutiny following the August 13 presidential election, which the Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema the winner. His main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), received 38% of the vote and has repeatedly vowed to challenge the result, stating his party "shall not relent." However, this challenge faces a major obstacle: all Zambian courts have been closed since August 24 due to "security concerns," with no reopening date announced.