CIVIL SOCIETY RAISES CONCERNS OVER ZAMBIA’S 2026 ELECTIONS
A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns over Zambia’s electoral environment ahead of the 13 August 2026 General Elections, calling for a peaceful, credible and transparent process.
In a joint statement held today, the organisations cited concerns over the unequal political playing field, electoral violence, alleged use of government programmes for electoral advantage, voter education and access for accredited stakeholders.
The civil society groups also urged the Zambia Police Service to act impartially in addressing electoral violence and called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure transparency in polling, counting, verification and results management.
They further appealed to political parties and their supporters to remain peaceful, security agencies to act professionally, and the media to provide fair and balanced coverage to all contestants.
The organisations called on Zambians to turn out peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to vote, while pledging to continue monitoring the electoral process before, during and after polling day.
The statement was jointly issued by Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation, ActionAid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, LCK Freedom Foundation, Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, PANOS Zambia, Transparency International Zambia, NGOCC and Zambia Council for Social Development.
Do us one big favour. Some of you are biased and not objective.
We have to many institutions that pretend they act for Zambians yet their comments expose who they are and what they are. You ask for the ECZ and Police to act it a certain manner? Start by conducting and making statements in the manner you suggest the ECZ and Police should. Lead by example. Too many among you and Journalists have failed to self regulate. Political actors like madam Ketebe still and say they represent Zambians and are part of the Civil Society. Yet their comments are far from that. And when Government points you cry foul.
Some of the court cases and the manner the courts have thrown you cases out, also shows ill thought out you points of view have been argued or based on. The behaviour of the opposition can be attributed to the manner you have conducted yourselves. Maybe do some introspect as well before you expect others to.