The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Zambian authorities to immediately end what it describes as arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition figures in the tense period surrounding the country’s recent general election.

Volker Türk, the UN rights chief, said his office had received credible reports that opposition members and activists were being picked up before and after the vote that returned President Hakainde Hichilema to office for a second term. Hichilema secured about 60 percent of the ballot, according to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, defeating his main challenger, Brian Mundubile of the NRPUP, who garnered roughly 38 percent.

Türk urged Lusaka to “stop arresting people arbitrarily” and to fully respect due process guarantees for all detainees. He stressed that any arrest, regardless of the alleged offence, must comply with international human rights standards and Zambian law.

Opposition parties allege that the campaign period was marred by intimidation, selective enforcement of public order regulations and restrictions on rallies. International observer missions, including from the European Union and regional bodies, have echoed concerns over unequal access to media and the use of security forces in ways that appeared to favour the ruling party.

The NRPUP says Mundubile is currently in a secure location under the protection of an international human rights organisation after receiving threats. Several senior figures from the main opposition alliance remain in police custody on accusations of involvement in militia or insurgent activity, charges their parties dismiss as politically motivated.

Türk reminded authorities that detainees must be informed at the time of arrest of the reasons for their detention, promptly told of any charges, granted access to lawyers and family members, treated humanely and brought swiftly before a judge. He also underlined their right to effective remedies for any violations suffered while in state custody.

Human rights groups inside Zambia have long warned that the country’s democratic gains are fragile, pointing to a pattern of heavy-handed policing, bans on opposition gatherings and the use of criminal defamation and security laws against critics.

With the opposition signalling a legal challenge to the results, Türk said it was “essential” that any electoral grievances be pursued peacefully and through lawful channels, and that the government demonstrate, in practice, its commitment to protecting political pluralism and fundamental freedoms.