Statement from Mo Ibrahim on the Zambian elections
26 August, 2026
Mr President, your first mandate was defined by progress. Do not waste what you have achieved.
We are watching post-presidential election developments in Zambia with deep concern.
Elections are of course a key test of democracy. But the test extends beyond what happens at the ballot box.
The arbitrary arrest of opposition members; the killing of a former minister; and the suspension of vote counting: these should never happen in a true democracy.
The recent decision to close Zambia’s top courts, including the Constitutional Court, just before the deadline for challenging the election result, only adds to the mess.
Zambia has a proud legacy of competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and respect for constitutional processes.
This legacy was built over decades. It has been showcased as a model to follow.
Mr President: Your own legacy could be just as strong.
But no legacy can be taken for granted. It must be protected and strengthened from one mandate to the next.
It would be a waste and a shame for it all to crumble now.
https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2026/statement-mo-ibrahim-zambian-elections