Nepal Sambat 1146, Gunlathwa 7, Saptami (August 19, 2026), Wednesday, Banpijhyala. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of opposition members in Zambia before and after the election, urging the relevant authorities to stop arbitrary arrests.

“Relevant authorities must stop arbitrarily arresting people and fully respect the legal rights of all those detained,” Türk said in a statement issued Wednesday.

According to Zambia’s Electoral Commission, President Hakainde Hichilema won the presidential election held on August 13 with nearly 60 percent of the vote, securing a second term. His closest rival, Brian Mundubile, leader of the main opposition party NRPUP and a former minister, received around 38 percent.

Although the election was conducted peacefully, the opposition said its campaign was affected by threats and various restrictions. International election observers, including the European Union, also raised similar concerns about the electoral process.

Several members of the main opposition coalition are reportedly still in police custody. The opposition said they were arrested last week on allegations of involvement in militia or rebel activities. Opposition leader Mundubile also told AFP that he was staying in a safe location under the protection of an international human rights organization because of threats against him.

Türk stressed that all arrests and subsequent legal proceedings must comply with international human rights standards and Zambia’s domestic law. He urged authorities to promptly inform detainees of the reasons for their arrest and the charges against them, provide access to legal representation and contact with family members, and ensure humane treatment.

He also called for detainees to be brought before a judge as soon as possible. Türk emphasized the need to respect human rights during the sensitive post-election period and to address election-related grievances peacefully and through legal procedures.

Hichilema received praise during his first term for economic reforms and efforts to restructure Zambia’s debt. However, opposition parties and civil society groups have accused his government of suppressing dissent and opposition voices.

Hichilema is expected to be sworn in for a second term within seven days of the Electoral Commission announcing the official results. However, the swearing-in could be delayed as the opposition is reportedly preparing to challenge the election results in court.