People Power Zambia

15/08/2026

Joint Civil Society Statement Raising Alarm Over the Electoral Environment In Which the August 2026 Election is Being Held

We, the undersigned Civil Society Organisations, are alarmed by the electoral environment in which the August 2026 general election is being conducted. In particular, we wish to raise the following concerns:
THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE LAW
Firstly, we condemn in the strongest terms the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to impose a nationwide suspension of the tallying and announcement of votes on 14th August 2026.
Section 67(2) of the Electoral Process Act requires counting to commence immediately after the close of polling and to continue until completion. Section 67(3) permits the suspension of procedures relating to the counting of votes, with the Commission's approval, while requiring the safekeeping of voting materials during such suspension.
The Commission's decision appeared to extend beyond this provision by suspending both counting and the announcement of results throughout the country. This raises an important question as to whether the nationwide suspension, particularly insofar as it extended to the announcement of results, was authorised by law.
The exercise of constitutional authority must always have an identifiable legal basis. The fact that a decision has subsequently been withdrawn or reversed does not cure an exercise of power that may have exceeded the authority conferred by law. The Commission should therefore explain the legal and factual basis for its decision, the statutory authority relied upon, and why incidents occurring in particular locations were considered sufficient to suspend the process nationally.
This is not a technical concern. Respect for the rule of law requires public institutions themselves to demonstrate obedience to the law. The credibility of an independent commission is strengthened, not weakened, when it accounts openly for the exercise of its powers.
The Commission must also recognise the gravity of its responsibility to the Zambian people. At a moment of such national consequence, delay, casualness and avoidable uncertainty are themselves damaging. The Commission must treat the time, patience and democratic choice of the Zambian people with the respect they deserve; honour the timelines and commitments it communicates; act with urgency and institutional discipline; and rise decisively above personal preference, partisan pressure, bias, or even the appearance of bias. The country should not have to repeatedly demand from its electoral body the urgency and seriousness that the occasion itself plainly requires.
We are also concerned by reports that some ballot papers have gone missing during the period of suspension, which may raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral outcome.
We note that the Electoral Commission of Zambia subsequently lifted its nationwide suspension of the counting and announcement of election results. While we welcome the resumption of the electoral process, the reversal does not remove the need to hold the Electoral Commission to account for the original decision.
REPORTED DETENTION OF THE LEADING OPPOSITION CANDIDATE AND HIS SUPPORTERS
We are also concerned by reports that the leading opposition presidential candidate, Mr Brian Mundubile, former LAZ President Mr. George Chisanga, UNIP President Mr. Trevor Mwamba, former Minister Mr. Mutotwe Kafwaya was detained and questioned by officers of the Zambia Army, together with reports concerning the detention or disappearance from public view of some of his supporters. We equally are concerned by reports that Mr. Kafwaya has been shot and remains in care at Maina Soko Hospital
These events require a clear and authoritative response from the State. The public is entitled to know the legal basis upon which Mr. Mundubile and any of his supporters were detained or questioned, which institution exercised that authority, where those affected were held, and whether they had access to legal representation and the protections guaranteed by the Constitution and the law.
The timing of these events, while the electoral process remained unresolved, makes transparency particularly important. State action involving a presidential candidate, political actors or their supporters during an election must be demonstrably lawful, necessary, impartial and insulated from partisan considerations.
We emphasise that ordinary criminal investigation, arrest, interrogation and maintenance of public order are fundamentally civilian policing functions. The Zambia Police Service must remain the primary institution responsible for law enforcement. The Defence Force must remain within its constitutional mandate, politically neutral and subordinate to civilian authority.
The use or appearance of military power in relation to political actors during an unresolved election risks militarising what must remain a civilian and democratic process. Where offences are alleged, lawful institutions must investigate them through established procedures.
ZAMBIA IS BIGGER THAN THIS ELECTION
At this moment, all Zambians must remember what is ultimately at stake.
Zambia's peace, security and national unity do not belong to any Government, political party, candidate or individual. They are a common inheritance and a collective responsibility.

There will be a winner, and there will be those who do not win this election. But Zambia and the Zambian people are bigger than any political party, any candidate and any individual. No electoral victory is worth damaging the peace upon which this country has been built, and no electoral defeat can justify violence, intimidation or the destruction of national cohesion.
Political leaders carry an especially heavy responsibility. Their words can calm or inflame; reassure or provoke; preserve confidence or deepen suspicion. Political competition must therefore remain political competition. Opponents must not become enemies, and citizens must not become hostile to one another because of the candidates they support.
Rumour must not become fact merely because it is repeated. Suspicion must not become violence. Whatever the final result, Zambia must emerge from this election as one country and one people.
We therefore make the following calls:
1. To the Electoral Commission of Zambia: conclude the counting, tallying, announcement and declaration of results transparently, efficiently and without unnecessary delay; provide regular and verifiable information capable of countering misinformation and disinformation; preserve access for agents, observers and monitors; and account publicly for the legal and factual basis of the earlier nationwide suspension. Above all, the Commission must respect the Zambian people by treating this moment with the urgency, discipline, impartiality and seriousness it demands, honouring its communicated timelines and rising above personal preference, partisan pressure, bias or the appearance of bias.
2. To the Government and security institutions: provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the detention and questioning of Mr. Brian Mundubile and any of his supporters, including their whereabouts during the relevant period and the legal authority relied upon. Any investigation or deprivation of liberty must comply fully with the Constitution and the law. Civilian policing must remain primary, while the Defence Force and other security institutions must remain politically neutral and within their constitutional mandates.
3. To political parties, candidates, media institutions and citizens: exercise restraint; reject violence, misinformation and disinformation; refrain from premature declarations of victory; and wait for the official results to be announced through the lawful electoral process. Nothing in our political differences should be allowed to endanger Zambia's peace, security and unity.
This moment will test our institutions, our political leadership and our collective commitment to constitutional government. The Constitution binds the Electoral Commission, the Police, the Defence Force, the Government, political actors and citizens alike. Public power must remain within the limits prescribed by law, and political competition must remain subordinate to the interests of the Republic.
Every lawfully cast vote must be protected and counted. The final result must emerge through the lawful process. Falsehood must be answered with transparency. Alleged wrongdoing must be addressed through lawful civilian institutions. And Zambia's peace and unity must remain paramount.
Elections determine who governs. They must never determine whether we remain one people. Zambia is bigger than any election, any political party and any individual.

Signed by:
Linda Kasonde
Executive Director, LCK Freedom Foundation

Issued jointly by the undersigned Civil Society Organisations.

For and on behalf of the following CSOs:
ActionAid Zambia, Alliance For Community Action Zambia, Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, LCK Freedom Foundation, Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council, Transparency International Zambia, Zambia Council for Social Development, Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf).

15/08/2026

JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT RAISING ALARM OVER THE ELECTORAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE AUGUST 2026 ELECTION IS BEING HELD

We, the undersigned Civil Society Organisations, are alarmed by the electoral environment in which the August 2026 general election is being conducted. In particular, we wish to raise the following concerns:

THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE LAW

Firstly, we condemn in the strongest terms the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to impose a nationwide suspension of the tallying and announcement of votes on 14th August 2026.

Section 67(2) of the Electoral Process Act requires counting to commence immediately after the close of polling and to continue until completion. Section 67(3) permits the suspension of procedures relating to the counting of votes, with the Commission's approval, while requiring the safekeeping of voting materials during such suspension.

The Commission's decision appeared to extend beyond this provision by suspending both counting and the announcement of results throughout the country. This raises an important question as to whether the nationwide suspension, particularly insofar as it extended to the announcement of results, was authorised by law.

The exercise of constitutional authority must always have an identifiable legal basis. The fact that a decision has subsequently been withdrawn or reversed does not cure an exercise of power that may have exceeded the authority conferred by law. The Commission should therefore explain the legal and factual basis for its decision, the statutory authority relied upon, and why incidents occurring in particular locations were considered sufficient to suspend the process nationally.
This is not a technical concern. Respect for the rule of law requires public institutions themselves to demonstrate obedience to the law. The credibility of an independent commission is strengthened, not weakened, when it accounts openly for the exercise of its powers.

The Commission must also recognise the gravity of its responsibility to the Zambian people. At a moment of such national consequence, delay, casualness and avoidable uncertainty are themselves damaging. The Commission must treat the time, patience and democratic choice of the Zambian people with the respect they deserve; honour the timelines and commitments it communicates; act with urgency and institutional discipline; and rise decisively above personal preference, partisan pressure, bias, or even the appearance of bias. The country should not have to repeatedly demand from its electoral body the urgency and seriousness that the occasion itself plainly requires.

We are also concerned by reports that some ballot papers have gone missing during the period of suspension, which may raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral outcome.

We note that the Electoral Commission of Zambia subsequently lifted its nationwide suspension of the counting and announcement of election results. While we welcome the resumption of the electoral process, the reversal does not remove the need to hold the Electoral Commission to account for the original decision.

REPORTED DETENTION OF THE LEADING OPPOSITION CANDIDATE AND HIS SUPPORTERS

We are also concerned by reports that the leading opposition presidential candidate, Mr Brian Mundubile, former LAZ President Mr. George Chisanga, UNIP President Mr. Trevor Mwamba, former Minister Mr. Mutotwe Kafwaya was detained and questioned by officers of the Zambia Army, together with reports concerning the detention or disappearance from public view of some of his supporters. We equally are concerned by reports that Mr. Kafwaya has been shot and remains in care at Maina Soko Hospital

These events require a clear and authoritative response from the State. The public is entitled to know the legal basis upon which Mr. Mundubile and any of his supporters were detained or questioned, which institution exercised that authority, where those affected were held, and whether they had access to legal representation and the protections guaranteed by the Constitution and the law.

The timing of these events, while the electoral process remained unresolved, makes transparency particularly important. State action involving a presidential candidate, political actors or their supporters during an election must be demonstrably lawful, necessary, impartial and insulated from partisan considerations.

We emphasise that ordinary criminal investigation, arrest, interrogation and maintenance of public order are fundamentally civilian policing functions. The Zambia Police Service must remain the primary institution responsible for law enforcement. The Defence Force must remain within its constitutional mandate, politically neutral and subordinate to civilian authority.

The use or appearance of military power in relation to political actors during an unresolved election risks militarising what must remain a civilian and democratic process. Where offences are alleged, lawful institutions must investigate them through established procedures.

ZAMBIA IS BIGGER THAN THIS ELECTION

At this moment, all Zambians must remember what is ultimately at stake.
Zambia's peace, security and national unity do not belong to any Government, political party, candidate or individual. They are a common inheritance and a collective responsibility.

There will be a winner, and there will be those who do not win this election. But Zambia and the Zambian people are bigger than any political party, any candidate and any individual. No electoral victory is worth damaging the peace upon which this country has been built, and no electoral defeat can justify violence, intimidation or the destruction of national cohesion.

Political leaders carry an especially heavy responsibility. Their words can calm or inflame; reassure or provoke; preserve confidence or deepen suspicion. Political competition must therefore remain political competition. Opponents must not become enemies, and citizens must not become hostile to one another because of the candidates they support.

Rumour must not become fact merely because it is repeated. Suspicion must not become violence. Whatever the final result, Zambia must emerge from this election as one country and one people.

We therefore make the following calls:

1. To the Electoral Commission of Zambia: conclude the counting, tallying, announcement and declaration of results transparently, efficiently and without unnecessary delay; provide regular and verifiable information capable of countering misinformation and disinformation; preserve access for agents, observers and monitors; and account publicly for the legal and factual basis of the earlier nationwide suspension. Above all, the Commission must respect the Zambian people by treating this moment with the urgency, discipline, impartiality and seriousness it demands, honouring its communicated timelines and rising above personal preference, partisan pressure, bias or the appearance of bias.

2. To the Government and security institutions: provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the detention and questioning of Mr Brian Mundubile and any of his supporters, including their whereabouts during the relevant period and the legal authority relied upon. Any investigation or deprivation of liberty must comply fully with the Constitution and the law. Civilian policing must remain primary, while the Defence Force and other security institutions must remain politically neutral and within their constitutional mandates.

3. To political parties, candidates, media institutions and citizens: exercise restraint; reject violence, misinformation and disinformation; refrain from premature declarations of victory; and wait for the official results to be announced through the lawful electoral process. Nothing in our political differences should be allowed to endanger Zambia's peace, security and unity.

This moment will test our institutions, our political leadership and our collective commitment to constitutional government. The Constitution binds the Electoral Commission, the Police, the Defence Force, the Government, political actors and citizens alike. Public power must remain within the limits prescribed by law, and political competition must remain subordinate to the interests of the Republic.
Every lawfully cast vote must be protected and counted. The final result must emerge through the lawful process. Falsehood must be answered with transparency. Alleged wrongdoing must be addressed through lawful civilian institutions. And Zambia's peace and unity must remain paramount.

Elections determine who governs. They must never determine whether we remain one people. Zambia is bigger than any election, any political party and any individual.

Signed by:
Linda Kasonde
Executive Director, LCK Freedom Foundation

Issued jointly by the undersigned Civil Society Organisations.
For and on behalf of the following CSOs:

ActionAid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, LCK Freedom Foundation, NGOCC, Transparency International Zambia, Zambia Council for Social Development, Panos Institute Southern Africa.

15/08/2026

JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT RAISING ALARM OVER THE ELECTORAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE AUGUST 2026 ELECTION IS BEING HELD.
Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating CouncilPanos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf)Transparency International ZambiaGlobal Platform ZambiaAlliance For Community Action ZambiaChapter One Foundation Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection

14/08/2026

Having witnessed young people’s strong commitment to exercising their civic right to vote, and as the election moves into the critical results phase, transparency, accountability, and timely communication remain essential to maintaining public confidence in the credibility of the 2026 General Elections. As a consortium, we remain committed to supporting and monitoring credible electoral processes.
Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council MISA Zambia Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf)

14/08/2026

The Ziko Lathu Consortium’s election monitors deployed across the country, together with data analysts stationed at our Election Situation Centre, have been working in real time to observe, document, verify and analyse the electoral process.

Citizen-led election monitoring is essential in promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in democratic processes. Through timely reporting and evidence-based analysis, our teams are helping to amplify citizens’ voices, identify emerging trends and support peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

We call on all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, respect the will of the people and continue working together to safeguard Zambia’s democracy.
Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council MISA Zambia

14/08/2026

Ziko Lathu Consortium

14/08/2026

SECOND PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ZIKO LATHU CONSORTIUM AND THE GLOBAL PLATFORM NETWORK AS ZAMBIA VOTES - DELIVERED ON 13TH AUGUST 2026, AT THE GLOBAL PLATFORM

Good afternoon distinguished colleagues of the press, ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to the second media briefing by the Ziko lathu Consortium, where we present our updated preliminary assessment of the 13th of August 2026 General Elections. The Ziko Lathu Consortium, comprising five local civil society organisations namely; ActionAid Zambia, Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf), the Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC), Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia and Young Women in Action.
As at 16:00 hours, the Ziko Lathu consortium has processed, received and analyzed over 100 incidents reports and over 1,200 checklist submissions which provide detailed context on pertinent poll day incidents.

POLLING STATION ISSUES AND INCIDENT NOTES
1. Opening Delays and Polling Station Changes
In Kasama, Ndoloka polling station reportedly opened late at 12:15 hrs while a delayed opening at a polling station in Ngombe contributed to a stampede, during which a woman was injured and rushed to hospital unconscious. Further, an elderly woman was also reportedly injured and taken to hospital. The relocation of polling stations to alternative sites, reportedly because the original venues were too small, caused confusion, with similar incidents recorded in two areas where some voters were reportedly injured. This was similarly reported in Kafue West Constituency where a polling station has been moved to another location. While we recognize the efforts by the commission to secure alternative, safer and accessible venues, we are of the view that such changes may have a negative impact on the fairness process of the process. Late opening of polling stations effectively disenfranchises voters by limiting their opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

2. Accessibility to Vulnerable Groups
We also noted the lack adequate facilities for vulnerable groups such as the Persons with Disabilities and the elderly. This was specifically observed at Ngombe PTA Polling station, in Roma Constituency.
3. Materials and Process Challenges
Selected polling stations experienced shortages of materials, including ink, which led to temporary stoppages in the voting process and caused voter frustration. Several incidents were reported where ballots were stamped on the front instead of the back; this reportedly occurred at least three times and raised suspicion among voters. In selected polling stations, voting booths were unavailable, requiring voters to use tables, which affected voter secrecy.
4. Voter Secrecy and Access to Voting
There were reports of inadequate voter secrecy, including voters being observed while marking their ballots. In another incident, five voter cards were reportedly confiscated from a voter suspected party cadres, and the affected voter was not allowed to vote. Polling staff were also reportedly seen giving priority to people they recognized, which led to complaints and obstruction at the polling station.
5. Campaigning, Misinformation, and Security Concerns
Campaigning was reportedly taking place at polling stations by prominent candidates and party representatives. Misinformation about the movement of pre-marked ballot papers reportedly contributed to violence. Media personnel were reportedly harassed by suspected UPND members, who interfered with their work, while a female police officer reportedly faced intimidation from suspected party cadres.
6. Harassment of Media
We are deeply concerned by reports of the harassment of female journalists covering the electoral process. At Maramba Polling Station, a Zambezi FM journalist was allegedly subjected to two separate incidents of mistreatment, including being roughed up by police officers and having footage deleted while carrying out professional duties. Additionally, it is deeply regrettable that a ZANIS journalist was reportedly assaulted by party cadres in Olympia.
We strongly condemn violence against women in election (VAWE) in the strongest of terms.
Such incidents are unacceptable and undermine the important role that media institutions play in informing the public, promoting transparency, and strengthening accountability. Journalists serve as a vital link between events on the ground and the citizens they inform, and their safety and independence must be respected at all times.

7. Harassment of female Police Officer
We have sadly observed a number of incidents involving the harassment of Zambia Police Service officers. This is deeply concerning, as police officers play a vital role in maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety. Respect for law enforcement is essential in fostering a peaceful and orderly society.

8. Incidents of Violence

We have noted with concern reports of violence in some parts of the country during the electoral process. For instance, in Makululu Compound in Kabwe, there were reports of polling staff and voters being subjected to stone-throwing incidents. Such acts of violence are unacceptable, as they threaten the safety of citizens, disrupt the voting process, and undermine the peaceful and democratic conduct of elections. We call on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow the electoral process to proceed without intimidation, violence, or interference
We have also noted with serious concern the presence and conduct of suspected party cadres at some polling stations. In particular, reports indicate that party cadres were effectively manning a polling station, a role that falls outside their mandate and undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Such actions have the potential to intimidate voters, create confusion, and erode public confidence in the credibility of the elections. If left unchecked, this behaviour risks fostering lawlessness and could become a recipe for anarchy. We therefore call on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to ensure that polling stations remain under the control of duly authorised election officials and security personnel, in accordance with the law.
9. Presence of the Military
While we appreciate the need to maintain security and prevent any potential unrest during the electoral process, we are concerned by reports of the presence of Zambia Army officers at Celeste Primary School Polling Station in Masaiti-Mbala. The primary responsibility for maintaining law and order during elections rests with the Zambia Police Service, and the deployment of military personnel at polling stations may create anxiety among voters and stakeholders. Their presence risks escalating tensions and could undermine public confidence in the peaceful and civilian nature of the electoral process. We therefore urge the relevant authorities to ensure that election security arrangements are proportionate, transparent, and consistent with established legal mandates.

A CALL TO ACTION
1. We urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia to promptly address reported operational challenges, including polling station changes, opening delays, material shortages, and concerns relating to voter secrecy, to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

2. We therefore call on all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, political actors, and members of the public, to uphold and protect media freedom and ensure that journalists are able to carry out their duties freely, safely, and without harassment, intimidation, or interference.

3. We call on the Police to maintain professionalism, ensure the safety of all participants in the electoral process, and take swift action against any acts of violence, intimidation, harassment, or public disorder.

4. We appeal to all political actors to exercise restraint, respect the law, and refrain from actions that may intimidate voters, journalists, election officials, or fellow citizens.

5. We call for the protection of media freedom and the safety of journalists, election observers, and law enforcement officers, ensuring they can carry out their duties without harassment, intimidation, or interference.

6. We encourage all Zambians to remain peaceful, reject misinformation and violence, and contribute to a transparent, credible, and democratic electoral process.
CONCLUSION
Since this morning and continuing into the afternoon, we remain concerned about the apparent lack of preparedness in certain aspects of the electoral process and the impact this may have on citizens' ability to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Delays, logistical challenges, and operational shortcomings have caused understandable frustration among voters. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful that affected citizens will remain patient, resolute, and committed to participating in the democratic process despite these setbacks. We urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly to address these challenges and ensure that every eligible voter is afforded a fair and meaningful opportunity to cast their ballot.

I THANK YOU.

On behalf of the consortium;
1. Action Aid Zambia
2. MISA Zambia:
3. NGOCC
4. Panos Institute Southern Africa
5. Young Women in Action

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

Press Briefing
Third Election monitoring update.
13.08.2026
MISA Zambia Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) Christian Churches Monitoring Group - CCMG