Govt Warns Against ‘Engineered Clashes’ Ahead of August 13 Zambia Elections

By Francis Chipalo The Zambian government has warned political players against allegedly planned illegal campaign activities in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election. Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said authorities had received information suggesting that some political elements were planning to conduct campaign activities outside […]

By Francis Chipalo

The Zambian government has warned political players against allegedly planned illegal campaign activities in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said authorities had received information suggesting that some political elements were planning to conduct campaign activities outside the legally agreed campaign timetable.

Kawana described the alleged plans as concerning, warning that attempts to organise unauthorised political activities could create unnecessary tension and conflict ahead of Thursday’s elections.

He said it was unacceptable for individuals to express sentiments suggesting a willingness to kill or die over the outcome of an election.

“We firmly condemn all rogue sentiments from individuals expressing a desire to shed blood. These are just elections; a peaceful, civil competition of ideas and visions for our people,” Kawana said.

The Permanent Secretary said violence over an election would amount to an attack on Zambia’s democratic values and could undermine the country’s reputation for peaceful electoral processes.

Kawana further alleged that any attempt to conduct unauthorised rallies in areas where campaigning had been restricted could be intended to provoke law enforcement officers and create confrontations.

“It will be deeply unfortunate and retrogressive for any political camp to intentionally stray into unauthorised zones like Lusaka and the Copperbelt hoping to provoke the Police,” he said.

According to Kawana, authorities were concerned that such activities could result in clashes and arrests that could subsequently be portrayed as political harassment.

“We know that the ploy is to engineer artificial clashes, arrests and portray a false picture of harassment just to gain cheap sympathy votes and claim that our democratic space has shrunk,” he said.

The government has therefore called on all political parties, candidates and their supporters to adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule set by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Kawana stressed that electoral rules should apply equally to all participants and urged political players to respect the established campaign guidelines.

“Rules are meant to be respected by every single participant, without exception,” he said.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant as the country enters the final days before voting.

Kawana urged citizens to focus on maintaining peace and avoiding actions or statements that could heighten tensions.

“Democracy thrives on order, maturity, and mutual respect for the law,” he said.

With three days remaining before the August 13, 2026 General Election, political activity and public attention are intensifying across the country.

Kawana reminded Zambians that the country has held elections before and will continue to hold elections in the future, making it important for political competition to remain peaceful and respectful.

“This is not Zambia’s first election, and certainly, they will not be the last,” he said.

The government’s warning comes as political parties make their final preparations for Thursday’s vote, with authorities urging all stakeholders to respect the law and allow voters to participate in the electoral process peacefully.

Zambians are expected to go to the polls on August 13, with political parties and their supporters being urged to put peace and respect for the electoral process at the centre of the final days of the campaign.