Akashambatwa urges non-partisan conduct as Zambia heads to polls on August 13 amid heightened expectations

88 ViewsVeteran politician Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika has called on public officials to put national interests above political party interests when discharging their duties in the run-up to Thursday’s General Elections. He says officials in top positions may belong to political parties, but must remain non-partisan in their official functions. According to him, the way public institutions […]

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Akashambatwa Mbikusita

Veteran politician Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika has called on public officials to put national interests above political party interests when discharging their duties in the run-up to Thursday’s General Elections.

He says officials in top positions may belong to political parties, but must remain non-partisan in their official functions.

According to him, the way public institutions conduct themselves in the next few days will determine how much confidence Zambians have in the outcome of the polls.

Speaking to Hot FM News, Mbikusita-Lewanika also criticised alleged Executive interference in the selection of judges, saying this undermines the independence of the Judiciary.

He argued that a strong and independent Judiciary is the only guarantee that any electoral disputes will be handled fairly and without fear or favour.

“The Judiciary must be allowed to work independently. When people see that judges are being appointed or influenced for political reasons, it weakens the entire system,” Mbikusita-Lewanika said. “We need institutions that stand above party politics, especially at a time like this.”

Mbikusita-Lewanika said public officials must exercise their responsibilities independently and without advancing personal or political interests.

He reminded civil servants, security personnel, and those in regulatory bodies that their oath is to the Constitution and to the people of Zambia, not to any political formation.

“Your duty does not change because of which party you support in your private capacity. On duty, you are a public servant. That means fairness, neutrality and professionalism,” he said.

His sentiments come as the nation gears up for Thursday polls, amid rigging fears by opposition parties.

Several opposition leaders have in recent days raised concerns about the misuse of state resources and alleged pressure on public workers to campaign for the ruling party.

National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile recently warned public officials against being used in vote rigging.

Mundubile said civil servants must resist instructions that compromise the integrity of the election and must remember that they will be held accountable by history and by the law.

He warned partisan civil servants to change their behavior or risk being replaced once he gets into office.

Mundubile’s warning has been echoed by civil society organisations that have been calling for restraint and adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct.

They say the period between now and the announcement of results is sensitive, and that any perception of bias by public officials could trigger tension.

Political analysts note that Zambia has built a reputation for peaceful transfers of power, and that protecting that record will require visible neutrality from those in authority.

They say statements like those from Mbikusita-Lewanika are important because they remind officials that their legacy will be judged by how they handled this election.

Church leaders and traditional authorities have also added their voices. Several bishops and chiefs have in the past week urged Zambians to go to the polls peacefully, to respect each other’s choices, and to allow institutions to do their work without interference. They have called on candidates to concede gracefully where they lose and to use legal channels where they have grievances.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has said it is finalising all logistical arrangements to ensure voting takes place smoothly on Thursday. District officials have indicated that voter education has been intensified and that final briefings for polling staff are underway.

Security wings are expected to be deployed to maintain order before, during and after voting. Police have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to report any attempts at intimidation.

Mbikusita-Lewanika said Zambians must not allow fear to keep them away from voting. He said the ballot is the most powerful tool citizens have to shape the direction of the country, and that it must be protected by everyone, including those in government.

“Let us go and vote, and let us respect the decision of the people,” he said. “Public officials must facilitate that process, not obstruct it. The country is bigger than any party or any individual.”

He added that after the elections, the focus must return to national development, unity and reconciliation. According to him, winners and losers must be able to work together in the interest of progress.

As the countdown to 13 August continues, calls for non-partisanship are expected to grow louder. For many Zambians, the conduct of public officials in these final hours will be a test of whether institutions can truly rise above politics and serve the nation first.

Polling day is scheduled for Thursday, 13 August 2026.