In a move that will surprise absolutely no one familiar with election season shenanigans, Zambian courts have decided to take an unscheduled holiday just as the deadline for challenging the presidential election results approaches. Court premises in Lusaka and elsewhere are taped off, with an 'unusual police presence' for good measure - because nothing says 'justice for all' like barricades and armed officers.

Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who came in second with a respectable 38% of the vote, had planned to challenge the results, citing irregularities. Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema, who won a second term with 60%, is scheduled for inauguration on 1 September - assuming the courts ever reopen in time for anyone to object. Mundubile is currently in hiding, citing threats, which is probably wise given that an opposition figure was shot dead and others have been arrested in the post-election chaos.

Lawyers who showed up to file petitions on Monday were politely (or not so politely) asked to leave. One lawyer told the BBC that three armed men approached his vehicle, identified themselves, and instructed him to scram. The sealed courts include the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court (which also houses the Constitutional Court), and several local courts. No word on when they might reopen, but a judiciary memo cited 'security reasons' for staff to stay home - because nothing says 'security' like preventing legal challenges to an election.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is not amused. They've expressed concern over the closure and the heavily armed military personnel loitering around court premises. They noted there's been no formal explanation for the closure or its duration, and they're particularly worried about the timing, given the 'seven-day period' in which a petition can be filed to nullify the election of a President-elect. But hey, at least the youth and sport ministry is busy preparing for the inauguration at National Heroes Stadium, so there's that.

Mundubile, who rejected the results last week, is in a 'secure location' under the protection of an 'international human rights body' (because clearly, the state isn't an option). He went into hiding after the arrests and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid, which officials described as an exchange of fire. Rights groups and LAZ are calling for independent investigations. Amnesty International called the killing 'deeply alarming' - a masterful understatement if we've ever heard one.

International observers deemed the election day itself 'largely peaceful,' but they did raise concerns about late electoral reforms, media freedom, and restrictions on the opposition. The EU observation mission noted the heavy military presence was intimidating, reported attacks on tallying centers, and called for 'maximal transparency' over the poll outcome - because nothing says transparent like not publishing separate polling-station results.

So, as the deadline looms, the courts are closed, the lawyers are being turned away, and the opposition candidate is in hiding. But hey, the inauguration prep is on schedule, so that's something. Stay classy, Zambia.