Government Urges Calm as Vote Counting Gets Under Way

The Zambian government has called on citizens to remain calm and law-abiding as counting and tabulation of votes begins, following the official close of voting on Thursday. In a statement issued from Lusaka, Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and…

The Zambian government has called on citizens to remain calm and law-abiding as counting and tabulation of votes begins, following the official close of voting on Thursday.

In a statement issued from Lusaka, Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Media, commended Zambians for what he described as a peaceful, orderly and responsible conduct of the voting process throughout the day. He said the success of an election is measured not only by how citizens cast their ballots, but by how they conduct themselves afterwards, and urged all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, to exercise restraint and avoid any statements or conduct that could undermine public peace or national unity.

Kawana said citizens should patiently await the outcome of the process and allow election officials to carry out their duties without interference. He reiterated that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) remains the sole constitutionally mandated body responsible for managing elections and declaring results, and called on all stakeholders to avoid speculation, misinformation or premature announcement of results.

The statement warned that the spread of false information, incitement to violence, destruction of property, intimidation and harassment would not be tolerated. The Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain vigilant and to uphold law and order through the counting period, with instructions to act professionally, impartially and without fear or favour against anyone found threatening public safety.

Kawana appealed to political leaders, candidates, party officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to play a constructive role in promoting peace, tolerance and responsible communication during this period, describing it as a moment requiring maturity and respect for the rule of law from the country’s leadership. He also urged members of the public to rely only on official channels for information and to avoid circulating unverified reports on social media while the count continues.

The government said it remains confident the electoral process will be conducted transparently and in accordance with Zambian law, and called on citizens to remain united while the process is brought to its lawful conclusion.

FULL STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNMENT URGES CALM, PEACE AND PATIENCE FOLLOWING THE CLOSE OF VOTING

The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to commend the people of Zambia for the peaceful, orderly and responsible manner in which they have conducted themselves throughout the voting process.

As voting has now officially closed, Government urges all citizens across the country to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding as the process of counting and tabulation of votes begins.

The successful conduct of elections is not only measured by the manner in which citizens cast their ballots, but also by the manner in which they conduct themselves after voting. We therefore call upon all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, to exercise maximum restraint and to desist from any acts, statements or conduct that may undermine public peace, national unity and security.

Citizens are encouraged to patiently await the outcome of the electoral process and to allow election officials to carry out their duties professionally and without interference. Government reiterates that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is the constitutionally mandated institution responsible for managing elections and declaring results in accordance with established laws and procedures. All stakeholders are therefore urged to respect this process and avoid speculation, misinformation, premature announcements of results, or any actions that may create unnecessary tension among members of the public.

Government also wishes to remind the public that the spread of false information, incitement to violence, destruction of property, intimidation, harassment, and any other unlawful activities will not be tolerated. The Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to maintain vigilance and uphold law and order throughout this period. They have further been instructed to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and without fear or favour, and to take appropriate action against any individual or group found engaging in conduct that threatens peace and public safety.

We appeal to political leaders, candidates, party officials, community leaders, religious leaders, civil society organisations and members of the media to continue playing a constructive role by promoting peace, tolerance, responsible communication and respect for the democratic process. At this critical moment, the nation looks to all leaders to set an example of maturity, patriotism and respect for the rule of law.

Government further calls on members of the public to rely only on information issued through official channels and to refrain from circulating unverified reports on social media and other platforms. Responsible use of digital platforms is essential in preserving public confidence and maintaining national stability.

As a democratic nation, Zambia has once again demonstrated its commitment to constitutional governance and peaceful participation in public affairs. Let us therefore remain united as one people and one nation while the electoral process is brought to its lawful conclusion.

Government remains confident that the electoral process will continue to be conducted transparently and in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Zambia.

Together, let us safeguard the peace, unity and stability that our nation is known for.

Issued by:

Thabo Kawana Permanent Secretary MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA

Lusaka, Zambia 13th August 2026