26/08/2026
OPEN PRESS STATEMENT
CALL FOR PEACE, UNITY AND INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION FOLLOWING ZAMBIA'S 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS
25 August 2026 | Eastern Province, Zambia
The Eastern Province Hub, comprising civil society organizations, religious groups, local influencers and other stakeholders, joins the people of Zambia in reflecting on the conclusion of the 2026 General
Elections. We commend citizens who exercised their democratic rights peacefully and all stakeholders
who contributed to the electoral process.
The Hub is a cross-sector network of 150 experienced local influencers from all 15 districts of Eastern Province. Its members represent ten thematic areas, including civil society, media, faith and religious institutions, persons with disabilities, women groups, health, education, land justice, senior citizens and other community sectors. United by our shared responsibility to Eastern Province, we call for calm, restraint and reconciliation during this sensitive post-election period.
We are deeply concerned by reported incidents of post-election violence, intimidation and destruction
of property, including the burning of street vendors’ trading stands at Katambalala Market in Petauke
District. Such incidents harm innocent citizens, destroy livelihoods and weaken the unity our
communities need. Violence, vandalism and retaliation have no place in our democracy.
We appeal to every citizen to put aside political, ethnic, religious and other differences. Let us reject
hate speech, misinformation, provocation and revenge; protect one another’s dignity and property; and resolve grievances through peaceful, lawful and constitutional channels.
We call upon public authorities, community leaders and local influencers to protect citizens without
discrimination, promote dialogue and reconciliation, ensure that reported offences are investigated
impartially, and support affected families and traders in rebuilding their livelihoods.
As Zambia implements proportional representation following the election results, we appeal for
fairness, transparency and meaningful inclusion in the selection of representatives. The 40 reserved
National Assembly seats, 20 for women, 15 for youth and 5 for persons with disabilities should be filled
by capable, ethical and community-rooted individuals who can genuinely represent these groups. Rural
communities and provinces such as Eastern Province should also receive fair consideration.
Elections may produce different choices, but they must not make us enemies. We remain one people,
one province and one nation. Let us move forward in peace, uphold human dignity and work together
for an inclusive and united Zambia.
Issued by: Eastern Province Hub Secretariat,
On behalf of participating thematic-area representatives and local influencers
For media follow-ups or engagements, contact:
Misheck Cheleka (Provincial Hub Lead) | Mobile: +260967854216
Marjorie Tembo (Provincial Hub Lead) | Mobile: +260979176307
You can listen to the audio here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lzLK9c9JpQlvLS2tkHDVR3ceaBvUjpYt/view?usp=drivesdk
Zikomo
