21/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 21, 2026
ZCLU CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ARRESTS OF PERSONS PREVENTING INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES FROM FILING NOMINATIONS
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) strongly condemns the escalating violence, intimidation and lawlessness perpetrated by cadres seeking to prevent eligible citizens from filing nominations as Independent candidates in the forthcoming elections.
While we note and commend President Hakainde Hichilema for finally condemning violence and intimidation against persons seeking to stand as Independent candidates, we are compelled to state that this warning has come far too late.
The dangerous narrative that the UPND would not permit members who were not adopted as candidates to file nominations as Independents was openly promoted by senior party leaders over a long period of time and repeatedly echoed during numerous public meetings across the country.
The violence and criminal conduct now being witnessed are therefore a direct consequence of the tolerance and encouragement of statements suggesting that the ruling party would do everything possible to stop members from standing as Independent candidates.
ZCLU reminds all political actors that Section 83(2) of the Electoral Process Act clearly criminalises any attempt to prevent a person from exercising their electoral rights, including the right to stand as an Independent candidate. Those engaging in acts of violence, intimidation, threats or obstruction are committing criminal offences and must immediately be arrested and prosecuted.
We urge the Zambia Police Service and the Electoral Commission of Zambia to demonstrate the same urgency and seriousness they have previously shown when opposition members allegedly committed electoral offences. The law must apply equally to all persons regardless of political affiliation.
We are particularly disturbed by the violent attack against former Mazabuka Member of Parliament, Mr Gary Nkombo. The individuals involved in the attacks are widely known, and reports indicate that one of the perpetrators is allegedly an employee at State House. It is unacceptable that a person allegedly associated with State House can participate in violent lawlessness that directly undermines President Hichilema’s own public messages on peace, democracy and respect for the rule of law, without any immediate repercussions.
We therefore call on State House to publicly clarify whether the individual alleged to have led the violent gang is indeed employed there and, if so, in what capacity and under what circumstances he was engaged.
The police cannot credibly claim ignorance regarding the identities of the attackers because circulating videos on social media clearly show members and leaders of these violent gangs openly confronting and warning police officers in the course of their criminal conduct. This level of impunity is unacceptable and dangerous for Zambia’s democracy.
ZCLU further reiterates that Article 51 of the Constitution expressly permits any eligible person, whether belonging to a political party or not at the time of nomination, to contest elections as an Independent candidate, provided that the individual ceases to belong to a political party at least two months before the election date.
During the 2025 Constitution Amendment process, the Technical Committee proposed amendments to Article 51 that would have required persons to resign from political parties before filing nominations as Independent candidates. However, both the UPND Government and the UPND party rejected that proposed amendment. This means that all stakeholders are fully aware that party members may lawfully file nominations as Independent candidates and would only need to cease party membership by 12 June 2026.
ZCLU is currently working with other civil society organisations to monitor the nomination process in identified hotspots across the country. We strongly condemn the criminal behaviour of UPND gangs attacking aspiring candidates and their supporters. Violence, intimidation and lawlessness have no place in a democratic society governed by constitutionalism and the rule of law.
ZCLU demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in preventing candidates from filing nominations, as well as swift investigations into all acts of electoral violence captured in circulating videos.
We further call for the equal enforcement of the Electoral Process Act regardless of political affiliation and urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia, together with the Zambia Police Service, to immediately provide public assurances that all candidates will be protected during the nomination process.
Additionally, any public officers found participating in or facilitating political violence must face clear and decisive disciplinary action.
Zambia’s democracy cannot survive if political gangs are allowed to override constitutional rights through violence and intimidation.
Issued by:
Derick Chekwe
Acting Executive Director
Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU)
