Brebner Changala, one of Zambia’s most experienced civil rights activist, has urged the public to seek answers from the judiciary regarding the recent trending petition challenging the 13 August 2026, Presidential election outcomes which President Hakainde Hichilema was pronounced winner by the Electoral Commission of Zambia – ECZ
Three petitioners comprising prominent lawyer and human rights advocate Linda Kasonde, renowned civil rights activist Brebner Changala and LCK Freedom Foundation Limited are on record of having controversially submitted the Presidential elections petition via email to the Chief Justice challenging the 2026 Presidential results.
When asked about the motives and expected outcomes, in an interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Changala declined to comment, stating, “Let the courts speak.” He stressed the importance of balanced information and cautioned against drawing conclusions before the court has officially acknowledged the petition.
The activist highlighted growing frustrations among Zambians over the difficulties faced in submitting legal documents. He noted that authorities responsible for receiving these documents have yet to provide a comprehensive statement.
Changala emphasized that the responsibility for explaining the ongoing challenges in filing court documents lies with those administering the process, not the petitioners themselves.
When asked if the current petition shares the same intent as the 2021 case between the state and Chapter One Foundation’s Executive Director, Linda Kasonde, on internet shutdowns (which ended in a consent judgment), Changala responded, “No, it is not,” clarifying that the present action is distinct in its aim.
He insisted that the petitioners’ actions are motivated by national interest, not personal expectations, and cautioned against pre-empting the court’s decision.
“In today’s climate, even speaking openly can be misconstrued as a criminal offense,” Changala said, warning that petitioners often face legal risks simply for engaging with the media. He re-affirmed that, for now, those involved in the petition would refrain from further comment and await the judiciary’s response.
“I have shared all I can at this stage. We have played our part and now choose to remain silent until the other side of the story from the Judiciary is heard.”
Efforts by ZBT to get a response from the Judiciary were still ongoing at time of publishing this article.
