M'membe says Zambia cannot call itself peaceful while opposition figures are held beyond 48 hours without charge or a court appearance

Dr Fred M'membe, president of the Socialist Party (SP), on Sunday 25 October condemned the prolonged detention of opposition figures and government critics, saying the practice threatens constitutional democracy and human rights. In a statement issued in Lusaka, he said detentions had gone beyond the 48-hour limit without formal charges or an appearance before a court, and he tied the issue to the period after the 13 August general elections. "The 48-hour rule is not a mere procedural formality," he said, describing it as a constitutional safeguard against abuse of state power. He argued that Zambia cannot claim to be peaceful while constitutionalism, due process and the rule of law are undermined. He called on the government and law enforcement agencies to "immediately halt the practice of arbitrary and prolonged detentions", to respect constitutional timelines and to uphold an independent judiciary and the separation of powers. "The exercise of power must be a constant practice of self limitation and modesty," he said. Several opposition figures are in custody or before the courts. Brian Mundubile, the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others are held at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility in Kabwe on treason, sedition and terrorism-related charges linked to the period after the election. They have asked the Lusaka High Court for constitutional bail. The State opposes the application, arguing that treason investigations are extensive and complex and that the Director of Public Prosecutions must be a party to the case. Their lawyers argue that unfinished investigations cannot justify long custody. None of the 18 has been convicted. Lima MP Kelvin Kaunda has also been in custody, and the High Court has ordered the State to produce him for a bail hearing. The Human Rights Commission, in its report on the 2026 elections, said it had monitored cases of prolonged detention and