Conflicting statements from the Judiciary and Cabinet office have left citizens in a confused state, regarding the scheduled inauguration of president-elect Hakainde Hichilema.

The Judiciary earlier wrote a letter to Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, informing him that as at 18:00 hours on Monday, there had not been a presidential petition filed by anyone.

“Following the 2026 Presidential elections and the declaration of Mr Hakainde Hichilema as President-elect between 02:00 AM and 06:00 AM on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026, no petition had been filed in the Constitutional Court Registry as at 18:00 hours yesterday, 24th August, 2026,” stated Chief Administrator Nalishebo Imataa in part.

This prompted Kangwa to issue a public statement stating.