Civil Society groups raise alarm over Zambia’s electrical environment

37 Views LUSAKA — A coalition of 10 Zambian civil society organisations has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the 2026 general election, calling for greater transparency from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), accountability over the reported detention of opposition figures and strict adherence to constitutional and civilian processes. In a joint statement […]

37 Views

Linda Kasonde LUSAKA — A coalition of 10 Zambian civil society organisations has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the 2026 general election, calling for greater transparency from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), accountability over the reported detention of opposition figures and strict adherence to constitutional and civilian processes.

In a joint statement issued in Lusaka on August 15, the organisations said they were “alarmed” by the electoral environment in which the August election was being conducted.

The statement comes as the country awaits the completion of the presidential vote tally following the August 13 election, amid political tensions surrounding the counting process and reports involving opposition figures.

The organisations — including ActionAid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, LCK Freedom Foundation, NGOCC, Transparency International Zambia, Zambia Council for Social Development and Panos Institute Southern Africa — have particularly questioned the ECZ’s decision to suspend the nationwide tallying and announcement of results on August 14.

According to the CSOs, Section 67(2) of the Electoral Process Act requires counting to commence immediately after polls close and continue until completion, while Section 67(3) allows suspension of counting procedures with the Commission’s approval and requires voting materials to be safeguarded during any suspension.

They argue that the ECZ’s decision appeared to go beyond those provisions by suspending both counting and the announcement of results nationwide.

The organisations are therefore demanding that the ECZ publicly explain the legal and factual basis for the suspension, including the statutory authority relied upon and why incidents in particular locations were considered sufficient to justify a nationwide suspension.

The CSOs acknowledged that the ECZ subsequently lifted the suspension and resumed the electoral process, but said the reversal did not remove the need for accountability over the original decision.

They also expressed concern over reports that some ballot papers had gone missing during the period of suspension, saying this could raise questions about the credibility of the electoral outcome.

Brian Mundubile

Mutotwe Kafwaya

The organisations have also raised concerns over reports surrounding the detention and questioning of leading opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and other political figures.

The statement cites reports that Mundubile, former Law Association of Zambia president George Chisanga, UNIP president Trevor Mwamba and former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya were detained and questioned by officers from the Zambia Army. It also refers to reports concerning the detention or disappearance from public view of some of Mundubile’s supporters and an allegation that Kafwaya had been shot and was receiving treatment at Maina Soko Hospital.

The civil society organisations stressed that the allegations require a clear response from the State, particularly regarding the legal basis for any detention or questioning, the institution exercising that authority, the whereabouts of those detained and whether they had access to legal representation.

They further warned against the involvement or appearance of military power in political matters during an unresolved election.

“Ordinary criminal investigation, arrest, interrogation and maintenance of public order are fundamentally civilian policing functions,” the organisations said, arguing that the Zambia Police Service should remain the primary institution responsible for law enforcement while the Defence Force remains politically neutral and within its constitutional mandate.

The statement also issued a broader appeal for calm, stressing that Zambia’s peace, security and national unity belong to the entire country rather than to any government, political party or candidate.

The organisations warned political leaders against inflammatory rhetoric and urged citizens not to allow rumours and suspicion to fuel violence.

“There will be a winner, and there will be those who do not win this election,” the statement says, while emphasising that no electoral victory is worth damaging Zambia’s peace and no electoral defeat can justify violence, intimidation or the destruction of national cohesion.

The CSOs have called on the ECZ to conclude the counting, tallying, announcement and declaration of results transparently and without unnecessary delay.

They have also demanded regular and verifiable information from the Commission, continued access for party agents, observers and monitors, and a public account of the legal and factual basis for the earlier nationwide suspension.

On the reported detention of Mundubile and his supporters, the organisations are calling on the Government and security institutions to provide a full account of what happened, including the whereabouts of those detained and the legal authority relied upon.

They further insist that any investigation or deprivation of liberty must comply with the Constitution and the law, while civilian policing remains primary.

The organisations have simultaneously urged political parties, candidates, media institutions and citizens to exercise restraint, reject violence and misinformation, avoid premature declarations of victory and wait for the official results through the lawful electoral process.

The statement was signed on behalf of the coalition by Linda Kasonde, Executive Director of the LCK Freedom Foundation.

The organisations conclude that every legally cast vote must be protected and counted and that the final result must emerge through the lawful electoral process.

“Elections determine who governs. They must never determine whether we remain one people,” the statement says.