ECZ MUST ACT ON UPND VIOLENCE: Civil Society Calls Out Mwangala Zaloumis
… We call upon the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend campaigns in areas where violence is being perpetrated by UPND suspected cadres – Solomon Ngoma
FULL STATEMENT
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) Condemns Mwembeshi Attacks and Calls for Immediate ECZ Action
4th August 2026, Lusaka Zambia.
The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) strongly condemns the brutal acts of violence that occurred in Mwembeshi, where independent candidate Mr. Mwamba was attacked and musician General Kanene was brutally assaulted. These incidents represent a dangerous escalation of political intolerance and must be addressed with urgency.
We demand an immediate and transparent statement from the ECZ regarding these attacks. Silence or delayed action only fuels impunity and erodes public confidence in law enforcement. The Police must act decisively to arrest the perpetrators and reassure the nation that no citizen is above the law.
We further call upon the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend campaigns in areas where violence is being perpetrated by UPND suspected cadres. The ECZ must demonstrate its independence and authority by ensuring that elections are conducted in a peaceful and fair environment.
We repeat our appeal to the UPND leadership to publicly denounce violence. Zambians rejected violent politics five years ago when they removed the Patriotic Front (PF) from office. If violence continues unchecked, it risks undermining the very democratic principles that brought change we have enjoyed since the return to Multi-Party politics.
Peace is not negotiable it is the foundation of democracy, economic growth, and investor confidence. The current situation, where violence occurs even in the presence of Zambia Police, is deeply troubling. It threatens Zambia’s reputation as a peaceful nation and jeopardizes the economic gains we have worked hard to achieve.
The recent U.S. security alert warning its citizens against travel to Zambia due to potential civil unrest is a wake-up call. Instead of validating such fears, Zambia must demonstrate to the world that it remains a stable, democratic, and peaceful country.
Those behind the violence, including those sending them, should know that one day the long arm of the law will visit them. No one can escape accountability forever.
CSEIFZ stands firm: violence has no place in our democracy. We call on all stakeholders political leaders, security agencies, civil society, and citizens to uphold peace, protect democratic values, and safeguard Zambia’s reputation internationally.
Signed:
Solomon Ngoma
Chairperson and Executive Director for AIPAC