Zambian authorities have arrested several prominent opposition figures in the aftermath of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, accusing them of posing a threat to national security as vote counting continues amid heightened political tensions.

The arrests took place on the night of Aug. 13, when Zambians went to the polls to elect a president, lawmakers and local representatives. The government said the suspects were apprehended in connection with an alleged armed insurrection, while opposition figures have questioned the authorities’ account and accused the government of increasing pressure on political opponents.

The arrests come as partial election results show incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema extending his lead over his main challenger, opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Results from about 71% of constituencies showed Hichilema with roughly 62% of valid votes, compared with about 36% for Mundubile. A candidate needs more than 50% to avoid a runoff.

The Zambian government said in a statement that police had arrested 11 people during an operation following the election and accused those detained of possessing high-grade military weapons, ammunition and other materials allegedly intended for an armed uprising.

According to the government, Mundubile was present at the scene when the arrests were made and shots were fired from the premises at law enforcement officers, resulting in an exchange of fire.

Authorities identified six people as being in custody, including a spokesperson for Mundubile and several senior members of opposition political parties.

The government said the suspects had been under surveillance for months and described the operation as necessary to protect national security.

The allegations have not been independently established, and opposition representatives have demanded information about the whereabouts and legal status of members of Mundubile’s inner circle who they say were detained or disappeared.

Mundubile, Hichilema’s principal challenger, said heavily armed security personnel raided his residence following the election. He described the operation as an attack on his life.

The government, however, offered a sharply different account, saying law enforcement officers had responded to gunfire from the premises.

The dispute has added to concerns over political tensions in the immediate aftermath of the election, particularly as the Electoral Commission of Zambia continues to process and verify results.

Vote counting was temporarily suspended on Friday following reports of violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers, before authorities said the security situation had been brought under control and counting resumed.

Opposition parties and civil society organizations have accused Hichilema’s administration of increasing restrictions on opposition activity ahead of the election, including limits on political meetings and campaign activities.

The government has rejected allegations of repression and maintained that the election process is being conducted in accordance with the law.

The arrests have nevertheless intensified scrutiny of Zambia’s political environment at a sensitive moment, with the country awaiting final results.

The election is being closely watched as a test of Hichilema’s record since taking office in 2021, particularly his handling of Zambia’s debt crisis and efforts to stabilize the economy.

The latest results strengthen Hichilema’s position in his bid for a second term. With about 71% of constituencies counted, his support had risen to approximately 62%, while Mundubile’s share stood at around 36%.

Hichilema's administration has highlighted debt restructuring, economic stabilization and increased investment in Zambia’s mining sector, particularly copper, as major achievements of his first term.

However, the government continues to face criticism over the cost of living, unemployment and whether improvements in macroeconomic indicators have translated into better conditions for ordinary Zambians.

The election is particularly significant for Zambia’s economy because the country is one of Africa’s major copper producers and possesses substantial strategic mineral resources.

The Electoral Commission’s official timetable sets Aug. 17 as the date for the declaration of election results, although the commission has continued to verify and tally results amid the security-related disruptions.

As Zambia awaits the final outcome, the arrests of opposition figures and competing accounts of the post-election security operation have added a contentious dimension to an election already marked by allegations of political restrictions, violence and disputes over the credibility of the process. (ILKHA)