SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER IS NOT AN ELECTION GIFT, GOVERNMENT MUST NOT POLITICISE STUDENT ALLOWANCES
A consortium of civil society organisations has cautioned against the politicisation of government social protection programmes and student allowances ahead of the 2026 General Election.
The consortium says the Social Cash Transfer programme has been in existence for a long time and should not suddenly be presented as an election achievement or political gift to voters.
It says government-funded programmes are a responsibility of the state and should benefit citizens regardless of the electoral cycle.
The consortium has also emphasised that providing allowances and support to students is a government responsibility and should not be portrayed as a political favour intended to influence voters.
The civil society organisations have urged Zambians to look beyond gifts, incentives and campaign promises and instead assess the performance, policies and vision of leaders seeking re-election, while also comparing them with other candidates contesting the election.
“What is important is for the voter to get the information and measure against what their leaders who have offered to be re-elected, and also other contestants in the election, have offered,” the consortium said.
The group cautioned voters against being easily influenced by gifts during the electoral period.
“They should not be easily influenced by whatever gifts,” it said.
The consortium further reminded voters that accepting certain gifts or incentives linked to voting could, depending on the circumstances and applicable electoral law, constitute bribery or an electoral offence.
“We also need to remind them that receiving a gift that falls under bribery or an election offence, they may also be indicted on such,” the consortium said.
The civil society group has consequently called on voters to remain vigilant and make informed decisions based on leaders’ records, policies and capacity to deliver, rather than short-term material inducements.
It said public programmes and taxpayer-funded benefits should remain focused on serving citizens and should not be turned into campaign instruments.
The consortium has urged voters to demand accountability from all political leaders and use the 2026 election to reward performance and reject political manipulation.
©️ Kumwesu | August 10, 2026
If meal allowances are the responsibility of the state why did PF’s Nkandu Luo withdrawal them?
Social cash transfer and student allowances are what politics are made of.