This election fell far short of being free and fair – JCTR, NGOCC, TIZ, ADEG, FPI and 6 others

11 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have declared […]

11 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have declared that Zambia’s 2026 general election fell significantly below the standards expected of a free and fair electoral process.

Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG), ActionAid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, LCK Freedom Foundation, Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, PANOS Zambia, Transparency International Zambia, NGOCC and Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI), in a joint statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT,
raised concerns over the conduct of the election.

“The process was marred by credible allegations of electoral tampering, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) own confirmation of missing ballot papers,” said CSOs.

They also cited alleged voter inducements involving the ruling party and what they characterised as persistent shortcomings in transparency and accountability by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

“These concerns could not be considered in isolation from reports of violence, abductions and killings allegedly targeting opposition candidates and their associates during the electoral period,” said CSOs.

They argued that the incidents represented an “unprecedented and alarming pattern” that was inconsistent with Zambia’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful democracy.

“Taken together with the violence and killing of an opposition-aligned former Minister in the immediate aftermath of polling, we conclude that this election fell far short of being free and fair,” said the organisations.

The coalition further argued that the cumulative concerns had seriously affected public confidence in the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the organisations called on ECZ to provide a full account of the missing ballot papers and other irregularities identified during the election, alongside immediate measures aimed at restoring public confidence.

“We urge political parties and their supporters to reject violence and pursue electoral grievances through lawful and constitutional avenues, including the courts,” the said.

The CSOs called on regional and international bodies, including the African Union, SADC, the Commonwealth and election observer missions, to closely monitor Zambia’s post-election environment and support accountability efforts.

Article by Philip Sinkala, Philip is a Journalist & news analyst at the Zambian Business Times – ZBT