2026 elections are the worst-organized elections in Zambia’s history – State Counsel

State Counsel Chifumu Banda has strongly criticized […]

State Counsel Chifumu Banda has strongly criticized the conduct of the 2026 general elections, describing them as the “worst organized” in Zambia’s recent history.

When asked to compare the 2026 polls to those held in 2021 and previous years, Banda expressed deep concern over the unprecedented involvement of army officers at polling stations and totaling centers, and post-election outcomes leading to the subsequent closure of the courts, which he described as “A total disgrace to the nation,”.

“It is the first time we are seeing army officers in polling stations and in totaling centers. Running an election has nothing to do with the army,” Banda said.

He argued that such military presence undermined the integrity of the electoral process, citing reports of individuals being removed from polling stations by army personnel. “Is that democratic?” he questioned.

Looking ahead, Banda urged the government to demonstrate magnanimity by engaging with opposition political parties to foster national unity.

“Zambia is for us all. Zambia is not for one section of Zambia. It is for all of us. Therefore, let’s engage each other,” he stated.

He called on all politicians to rise to the country’s expectations and embrace dialogue. “Zambia expects better from all politicians. And we can do better. Why can’t we talk to each other?” Banda concluded.
He added that the court has a responsibility to explain the way forward to the Zambian people to get justice when the courts are closed. “Since the executive closed the courts, how will citizens now access the judiciary? When one arm of government appears to have more power over another, it raises serious concerns about checks and balances.”

State Counsel Banda further added that the Chief Justice and the Judges of the Constitutional Court must clarify what alternative arrangements, if any, have been made to ensure Zambians can still access justice.

“These questions need answers, especially since innocent people who sought justice were turned away at the gates of the High Court by police from the executive arm. This situation is unhealthy for Zambia’s democracy and that is not healthy for this democracy. It is not healthy. We can do better as a nation.”

Article by Tyndale Muchiya