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13/08/2026

POLLING DELAYS, VIOLENCE MAR VOTING

Kayanda flags late openings, material shortages, voter secrecy concerns and harassment of journalists as Zambians cast ballots

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 - 13-08-2026 -- The 2026 General Elections have been hit by delays, confusion and isolated cases of violence, with the Ziko Lathu Consortium expressing concern over what it says are problems affecting voters at some polling stations.

Speaking during the consortium’s second media briefing, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia representative Austin Kayanda said more than 100 incident reports and over 1,200 checklist submissions had been received and analysed by 16:00 hours.

Kayanda said the reports painted a worrying picture in some polling stations, with voters facing late openings, changes of polling venues, shortages of materials, problems with ballot secrecy and harassment of journalists.

He said Ndoloka Polling Station in Kasama did not open until 12:15 hours, leaving voters waiting for hours before they could cast their ballots.

Kayanda said a delayed opening at a polling station in Ngombe reportedly triggered a stampede in which a woman was injured and rushed to hospital unconscious.

He said an elderly woman was also injured.

According to Kayanda, the decision to move some polling stations because the original venues were too small also left some voters confused and struggling to find where they were supposed to vote.

He said similar incidents were reported in two areas where some voters were reportedly injured, while a polling station in Kafue West Constituency was also moved.

Kayanda said while the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) may have had reasons for finding alternative venues, such changes on polling day can leave voters frustrated and uncertain.

He said late opening was particularly worrying because every hour lost could mean a voter losing the chance to exercise their democratic right.

Kayanda also raised concern over the difficulties faced by elderly voters and persons with disabilities.

He said inadequate facilities for vulnerable groups were observed at Ngombe PTA Polling Station in Roma Constituency.

Kayanda said some voters were further frustrated by shortages of election materials, including ink.

He said voting was temporarily stopped at some polling stations because of the shortages.

The consortium also received reports of ballots being stamped on the front rather than the back on at least three occasions.

Kayanda said this naturally caused suspicion among voters who were already anxious about the voting process.

He said some polling stations had no voting booths, leaving voters to mark their ballots on tables.

Kayanda said this raised serious concerns about whether voters could make their choices privately.

He said there were also reports of voters being watched while marking their ballots.

In another case, Kayanda said five voter cards were reportedly confiscated from a voter suspected of being a party cadre, and the voter was not allowed to cast a ballot.

He said polling staff were also accused of giving preference to people they knew, leaving other voters complaining about unfair treatment.

Kayanda said the consortium had also received reports of campaigning at polling stations involving prominent candidates and party representatives.

He said rumours and misinformation about the movement of pre-marked ballot papers reportedly fuelled tension and contributed to violence in some places.

For journalists covering the election, Kayanda said the situation was equally troubling.

He said media workers were reportedly harassed by suspected UPND members who interfered with their work, while a female police officer was also allegedly intimidated by suspected party cadres.

Kayanda said the consortium was particularly disturbed by reports involving female journalists.

At Maramba Polling Station, he said, a Zambezi FM journalist was allegedly roughed up by police officers and had footage deleted while she was doing her job.

Kayanda said a ZANIS journalist was also reportedly assaulted by party cadres in Olympia.

He condemned the incidents, saying journalists should not have to fear being attacked simply for doing their work.

Kayanda said the media had a responsibility to tell Zambians what was happening on the ground and must therefore be allowed to work without intimidation.

He also raised concern over reports of police officers being harassed.

Kayanda said police officers were on the ground to maintain order and protect citizens and should also be treated with respect as they carried out their duties.

The consortium also received reports of violence in some communities.

Kayanda said polling staff and voters in Makululu Compound in Kabwe were reportedly pelted with stones.

He condemned the incident, saying no voter should have to face violence or fear simply for turning up to vote.

Kayanda was also concerned about reports of suspected party cadres taking charge of polling stations.

He said some cadres were reportedly “manning” a polling station, despite that responsibility belonging to authorised election officials and security personnel.

Kayanda warned that such behaviour could frighten voters, create confusion and undermine confidence in the election.

He called on authorities to ensure that polling stations remained in the hands of those legally authorised to run and secure them.

Kayanda also raised concern over reports of Zambia Army officers at Celeste Primary School Polling Station in Masaiti-Mbala.

He said the consortium understood the need for security, especially during elections, but questioned the presence of military personnel at polling stations.

According to Kayanda, voters could become anxious when they see soldiers at places where they have gone to exercise their democratic right.

He said election security should be handled in a way that reassures citizens rather than frightens them.

Kayanda called on the ECZ to quickly deal with the problems being reported, particularly delayed openings, changes to polling stations, shortages of materials and concerns over voter secrecy.

He also appealed to political parties and their supporters to give journalists space to do their work and to stop intimidation and interference.

Kayanda urged police officers to remain professional and protect everyone taking part in the election.

He appealed to political parties and candidates to show restraint and avoid actions that could frighten or intimidate voters, journalists and election officials.

Kayanda also urged Zambians to remain calm, reject rumours and misinformation and stay away from violence.

He said although the problems reported at some polling stations had understandably frustrated voters, the consortium remained hopeful that the situation could be managed.

Kayanda urged authorities to move quickly to fix the problems so that every eligible Zambian who wants to vote is given a fair chance to do so.

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13/08/2026

EARLY POLL HITCHES EMERGE

Ziko Lathu says voting remains largely peaceful despite delayed openings, ballot material shortages and voter register challenges

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 13-08-2026) -- Early administrative and operational challenges have emerged in Zambia’s 2026 General Elections, with some polling stations opening late, election materials arriving after the scheduled start of voting and some voters facing difficulties linked to the voters’ register.

However, the Ziko Lathu Consortium says the overall voting environment remains largely peaceful across the country, with no violence against women, youth or persons with disabilities reported at the time of its first preliminary assessment.

The preliminary findings read by Annie Mbewe Anamela, Executive Director of the Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), on behalf of the Ziko Lathu Consortium during a press briefing at the Global Platform told journalists at a media briefing that the Consortium, comprising ActionAid Zambia, NGOCC, Panos Institute Southern Africa, MISA Zambia, Young Women in Action and the Global Platform Zambia Network, has deployed monitors across all 10 provinces and 116 districts to observe the electoral process.

According to Anamela, preliminary reports from monitors indicate that voting is generally underway across the country, with observations covering polling station openings, voter assistance, queue management, inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities, accessibility, polling station administration and security.

She said the Consortium had so far not recorded violence against women, youth or persons with disabilities, adding that the polls had remained largely peaceful.

However, some polling stations opened after the scheduled 06:00 hours, with recorded delays ranging from 06:16 to 07:10 hours.

Anamela said Ndoloka Polling Station in Kasama North had not opened by 10:35 hours, leaving voters waiting for polling to commence.

The monitors also reported delays in the delivery of election materials, including a case in Southern Province where materials reportedly arrived at 07:47 hours.

Operational readiness was another concern, with some polling stations reportedly having inadequate or missing voting booths.

The Consortium said polling officials at some stations were forced to improvise alternative arrangements, raising concerns over voter privacy and potentially slowing down the voting process.

Some voters also reportedly failed to cast their ballots because of identification and voter registration-related challenges.

The reported cases included voters whose names could not be found on the voters’ register, voters presenting cards that did not correspond with their assigned polling stations and others attempting to use outdated voter cards.

The monitoring mission further found inconsistencies in the assistance provided to elderly voters and persons with disabilities.

While some polling stations provided the necessary support to facilitate voting, other voters were reportedly overlooked, raising concerns over the uniform application of measures intended to promote inclusive and accessible elections.

Despite these challenges, the Consortium said the overall environment remained calm and orderly.

The Ziko Lathu Consortium said the incidents recorded so far were largely administrative and operational, including delayed polling station openings, late or missing election materials, inadequate voting booths, limited voting streams, queue management concerns, overcrowding and voter register-related problems.

The Consortium said it was channeling matters observed by its monitors to relevant authorities, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia and other duty-bearers, for redress.

It has also called on polling officials, political party agents, security personnel, voters and other election stakeholders to remain calm, patient and cooperative as voting continues.

The Consortium said it would continue monitoring the electoral process to establish whether the challenges recorded so far were isolated incidents or indicative of broader operational trends.

It is expected to issue an updated preliminary statement at 16:00 hours.

The Consortium has reaffirmed its commitment to impartial and evidence-based monitoring throughout the electoral period.

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12/08/2026

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN THREATENS DEMOCRACY

NGOCC condemns attacks on Chongwe East aspiring candidate Anita Kamanga and calls for urgent police action to protect women in politics

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — 12-08-2026 – Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has condemned what it described as a disturbing pattern of physical, emotional and online attacks targeting Anita Kamanga, an independent aspiring candidate for Chongwe East Constituency.

Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that NGOCC had received with grave concern a report of Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) involving Kamanga, who has reportedly faced harassment since the beginning of her campaign.

“Ms. Kamanga and her supporters have been attacked on several occasions while preparing for campaign meetings,” Katebe said.

She said that in one incident, the alleged perpetrators reportedly made a false report to Kanakantapa Police Station, claiming to have been victims of violence.

According to Katebe, the report resulted in the arrest and continued detention of one of Kamanga’s supporters.

She said the alleged attacks and persistent threats had left Kamanga and her campaign team genuinely fearful for their safety.

Katebe said the reported targeting of Kamanga should not be treated as an isolated incident, arguing that it appeared to form part of a wider pattern of intimidation and detention of political opponents across the country.

She warned that violence and harassment against women seeking political office have consequences that extend beyond the individuals targeted.

According to Katebe, such conduct undermines democratic participation, erodes public confidence in the electoral process and discourages women from pursuing leadership and public service.

She said the attacks also send a worrying message to women across the country who may wish to participate in politics.

Katebe called on the Zambia Police Service to urgently investigate the reported attacks and prioritise the safety of Kamanga and her campaign team.

She further urged the police to impartially review the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Kamanga’s supporter and take appropriate action against anyone found responsible for the alleged assaults and death threats.

Katebe also called on law enforcement agencies and the justice system to treat threats against women candidates seriously and ensure that perpetrators of VAWE are held accountable.

She appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to use its mandate under the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure a safe and enabling environment in which Kamanga can campaign without fear or intimidation.

Katebe also urged political actors and rival candidates in Chongwe East to publicly reject violence and intimidation and restrain their supporters from engaging in electoral aggression.

“Violence against women in politics is not a private dispute, but an attack on Zambia’s democracy,” Katebe said.

She said NGOCC, through the Ziko Lathu Consortium Elections Situation Room, would continue monitoring Kamanga’s case and was prepared to support her in pursuing justice through available legal and institutional channels.
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12/08/2026

UNZALARU DEMANDS FULL BENEFITS

Union wants Government to release more funds and follow the High Court order in paying UNZA workers

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — 12-08-2026 -- The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) has demanded the release of additional funds to clear outstanding terminal benefits owed to UNZA workers, saying members have waited for years to receive their money.

UNZALARU President Prof. Andrew Phiri and General Secretary Dominic Liche said Government had committed to clearing all terminal benefits owed to UNZA staff up to 2025 by July 31, 2026.

Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche said Government released K358 million as the first disbursement towards benefits that have remained outstanding since 2016, and payments have since started.

However, the union leaders said concerns had emerged over how the payments are being made.

According to Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche, the payment instructions appear to conflict with a recent High Court judgment directing the University to use the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle when settling terminal benefits.

The UNZALARU leaders said they were not aware of any formal Government instruction directing UNZA management to comply with the court judgment.

Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche warned that any departure from the court directive could undermine the rule of law and affect workers who are waiting for their benefits to be paid according to the established order.

The union also said Government had not released additional funds by July 31 to enable the University to clear all outstanding terminal benefits owed up to 2025.

The two officials said the delay had left the Government commitment unfulfilled despite the initial K358 million allocation.

UNZALARU has also raised concern over conflicting information about the purpose of the K358 million.

Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche said the Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Education had stated that the money was released to settle outstanding pension and gratuity obligations, while the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) had reportedly claimed that the funds were part of student fees owed to UNZA.

The union leaders said the two obligations are separate and called for the conflicting accounts to be resolved urgently.

UNZALARU further said HELSB continues to owe UNZA substantial amounts in outstanding fees for Government-sponsored students.

At a General Meeting held on August 7, UNZALARU members demanded that Government ensure the remaining funds already released are paid strictly according to the FIFO principle ordered by the High Court.

The members also called for the immediate release of additional funds to clear all outstanding terminal benefits owed up to 2025.

Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche further called on HELSB to settle all outstanding student fee arrears owed to UNZA from 2025 to date and ensure that future sponsorship funds are paid on time.

The UNZALARU leaders also want HELSB to clarify its reported position that funds released for terminal benefits constitute payment towards its student fee obligations to the University.

Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche said UNZALARU had remained patient throughout the process and welcomed Government’s initial intervention.

However, the union stressed that the Government commitment must be fully honoured without further delay because members have waited for many years to receive what is owed to them.

The UNZALARU leaders also said the union remains strictly non-partisan and has no interest in forming alliances with either the ruling or opposition political parties.

According to Prof. Phiri and Mr Liche, UNZALARU’s responsibility is to represent, protect and advance the welfare and legitimate interests of its members while engaging whichever Government is in power on matters affecting workers.

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11/08/2026

DON’T LET POLITICS TEAR ZAMBIA APART

NGOCC urges candidates and supporters to respect the people’s verdict, reject inflammatory politics and safeguard peace ahead of August 13 polls

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — 11-08-2026 — The Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to prioritise Zambia’s peace and unity above partisan interests as the country approaches the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe says political competition must not be allowed to divide the nation, noting that every election produces both winners and losers.

Ms. Katebe has urged all candidates to prepare themselves to accept the verdict of the people, emphasising that elections are determined by voters and not by the interests of individual candidates or political parties.

She says candidates who are dissatisfied with the outcome should pursue lawful channels and established dispute-resolution mechanisms to challenge results, rather than resorting to confrontation.

NGOCC has also cautioned political leaders against inflammatory statements, stressing that leaders must exercise restraint in their communication, as reckless remarks can incite supporters and heighten tensions.

The organisation has further called on political party supporters to remain peaceful, while reminding leaders of their responsibility to guide and calm their followers, whether in victory or defeat.

NGOCC says it would be commendable for those who emerge victorious to accept victory with humility, and for those who lose to accept defeat with dignity.

“Political competition comes to an end, but citizens, communities and the country remain,” NGOCC says.

The organisation has also stressed that maintaining peace does not mean citizens should forfeit their right to question the electoral process, challenge results or demand accountability.

It says Zambians may contest results, scrutinise electoral processes and seek justice while upholding peace and respecting the rule of law.

NGOCC has meanwhile appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Zambia Police, the courts and other relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities impartially, independently and without intimidation or interference.

The organisation says the responsibility of safeguarding Zambia’s peace extends beyond political parties and institutions to every citizen.

NGOCC has urged political actors and their supporters to remember that while political affiliations may differ, all Zambians share one country.

The organisation says elections should determine who governs the country and should not become a catalyst for division among citizens.

“Let us protect our democracy, preserve our peace and remember that Zambia is bigger than any political party, candidate or election,” NGOCC says.

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11/08/2026

IBA WARNS BROADCASTERS

The Authority says no campaign interviews, speculation on polling day and urges media houses to put accuracy and public interest ahead of the race for election results.

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — 11-08-2026 -- The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has sounded a firm warning to broadcasters ahead of Thursday’s elections, telling them not to turn polling day into a platform for campaign interviews, election predictions or unverified results.

With millions of Zambians expected to cast their ballots on Thursday, the Authority says broadcasters have a big responsibility on their shoulders — to give the public information they can trust at a time when emotions are likely to run high.

IBA Independent Broadcasting Director Webster Malido said the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines, issued in May, were meant to help broadcasters report the elections fairly, accurately and responsibly.

He said the guidelines were not simply about regulating broadcasters, but ensuring that Zambians receive reliable information to help them make informed decisions at the ballot box.

The Authority has, in recent months, held a series of workshops with broadcasters to help journalists and newsrooms understand the election guidelines, as well as the legal and professional standards expected of them.

As polling day draws closer, Malido has urged broadcasters to put those lessons into practice.

“As we approach polling day this coming Thursday, we would like to encourage all broadcasters to reflect on the guidance provided during the capacity-building workshops and apply the knowledge that they gained diligently in their coverage of the elections,” he said.

The IBA has also acknowledged the work done by broadcasters during the campaign, saying most stations have made efforts to follow the election coverage guidelines.

However, the Authority admitted that cases of non-compliance have been recorded.

Despite this, it said the general level of cooperation from broadcasters had been encouraging and urged them not to drop their guard during the final and most sensitive stage of the electoral process.

NO CAMPAIGNING ON ELECTION DAY

For broadcasters, Thursday will not be business as usual.

The IBA says stations should not air campaign interviews featuring political parties or candidates on Election Day.

They are also expected to keep election predictions off the air.

The Authority says all programmes aired on polling day must comply with the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines and existing laws.

Malido also reminded broadcasters that no new opinion poll results should be broadcast before polling closes.

Where an opinion poll is allowed to be broadcast, stations must tell their audiences who conducted and sponsored the poll, when it was conducted, its margin of error, the population covered and the sample size.

The message from the IBA is clear: viewers and listeners should know where election figures are coming from before they are asked to believe them.

‘DON’T BE FIRST — BE RIGHT’

The biggest concern for the Authority appears to be the reporting of election results.

As voting gives way to counting and tallying, broadcasters will be watching events closely and competing to keep their audiences updated.

But the IBA says the pressure to be first must not come at the expense of being right.

Broadcasters may report on voting, counting and tallying, but they should not announce projected, speculative or unverified election results.

The Authority says election results should only be announced once they have been officially declared by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Malido has also cautioned broadcasters to be particularly careful with information coming from political actors, commentators, social media platforms or even officials whose information has not yet been verified.

The warning comes as social media continues to move information at a frightening speed, with claims capable of reaching thousands of people before newsrooms have had time to establish whether they are true.

For the IBA, that is where responsible journalism matters most.

The Authority wants broadcasters to verify information before putting it on air and to make a clear distinction between what is officially confirmed and what is simply being claimed.

EVERY PARTY DESERVES A FAIR HEARING

The IBA has also reminded broadcasters that election coverage must not leave some political parties and candidates in the shadows.

According to the Authority, all political parties and candidates should be given reasonable opportunities to explain their policies and present their views to voters.

Broadcasters have been urged to remain fair and impartial when conducting interviews and preparing election stories.

They should also make it clear when something is an opinion and when it is a fact.

The Authority has warned against broadcasting material that could fuel hate speech, tribalism, violence, character assassination or the spread of information that has not been verified.

For a country heading into an election, the IBA says careless reporting can have consequences far beyond a single news bulletin.

It has therefore urged broadcasters to handle developing stories and sensitive interviews with care, particularly where tensions are already high.

PUBLIC CAN COMPLAIN

The IBA has also reminded members of the public, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders that they have a channel through which they can challenge unfair or improper election coverage.

Complaints should first be taken to the broadcasting station concerned.

The station is expected to respond within two days during the election period.

If no response is received within that period, or if the complainant is unhappy with the response, the matter can then be taken to the IBA.

The Authority says it will investigate complaints and take action where necessary in line with the law and election coverage guidelines.

IBA TO KEEP WATCH

The Authority says it will continue monitoring election-related broadcasts throughout the electoral process.

Malido said the monitoring was intended to help broadcasters remain within the law, provide guidance where necessary and ensure that election coverage continues to serve the public interest.

As Zambia prepares for Thursday’s vote, the IBA says broadcasters must remember that their role goes beyond simply filling airtime.

They will be carrying information into homes, communities and polling centres at a moment when every word can matter.

The Authority has therefore urged broadcasters to verify election information before putting it on air, avoid spreading reports that could mislead the public and resist anything that could inflame tensions.

Malido said responsible and professional reporting by broadcasters would be an important part of helping Zambia go through the elections peacefully and credibly.

For the media, the message from the regulator is simple: report what is known, verify what is uncertain and never allow the rush for a headline to put the public at risk of being misled.

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10/08/2026

CSOs DEMAND FAIR PLAY

Coalition raises alarm over political inequality, election violence and late changes to voting rules ahead of Thursday’s general election

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24, 10 -08-2026 -- — Civil society and faith-based organisations have raised the alarm over what they describe as an uneven political playing field, growing election-related violence and confusion caused by changes to voting rules ahead of Thursday’s general election.

The organisations say these concerns cannot simply be brushed aside, arguing that the credibility of the August 13 election will depend on whether every Zambian is able to walk into a polling station and freely cast a vote without fear, intimidation or undue influence.

They say it is not enough for voting to take place peacefully on the day if the process leading to the ballot has already placed some political players at a disadvantage.

The concerns were raised during a joint briefing involving 11 organisations — Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Freedom Foundation, Alliance for Community Action (ACA), ActionAid Zambia, Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD), African Development and Empowerment Group (ADEG), Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC), Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z), Panos Institute Southern Africa and Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).

The coalition said the country has reached a critical point where institutions responsible for protecting democracy must put aside political interests and ensure that the electoral rules are applied fairly to everyone.

Linda Kasonde, Executive Director of the LCK Foundation, said the concerns raised by the organisations were backed by Zambia’s Constitution and the country’s obligations under regional democratic agreements.

Ms Kasonde pointed to Article 45 of the Constitution, which provides for an electoral system free from violence, intimidation and corruption.

She also cited Article 8, which sets out Zambia’s commitment to democracy, human dignity and good governance.

Ms Kasonde further referred to Zambia’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

She said these were not merely ideals written on paper, but obligations that should guide the conduct of the election.

OPPOSITION PARTIES RAISE CONCERNS

The coalition said opposition parties have for years struggled with restrictions on mobilisation under the Public Order Act, a situation it said became particularly pronounced from 2021 and has continued during the current campaign.

The organisations questioned whether political parties are genuinely operating on equal ground when some are able to mobilise freely while others face restrictions.

They also raised concerns over the conduct of some state institutions, particularly the Registrar of Societies, which they accused of lacking independence.

The Patriotic Front leadership dispute was cited as an example of how the administration of political parties can become caught up in political battles.

The coalition also complained about unequal access to public media.

It said voters need to hear from different political parties and candidates if they are to make an informed choice, particularly during the final days of a campaign when parties are making their last appeals to the electorate.

The organisations further questioned the way the Electoral Commission of Zambia has suspended some campaign activities.

They argued that when action is taken against political violence or misconduct, those responsible should face the consequences rather than candidates or supporters who may have had nothing to do with the incident.

‘STATE PROGRAMMES MUST NOT BECOME CAMPAIGN TOOLS’

Gideon Musonda, Executive Director of ADEG, said the coalition had received reports alleging that some people were being offered employment opportunities in exchange for participating in ruling-party campaigns.

He also raised allegations involving the transportation of voters to polling stations and promises of food in return for political support.

Mr Musonda said the coalition was concerned about the possible use of government programmes to influence voters.

He specifically mentioned the social cash transfer programme and reported increases in student allowances.

The concern, he said, was not about vulnerable people receiving assistance or students benefiting from improved allowances.

Rather, the concern was about whether public programmes were being presented as political favours at a time when politicians are asking Zambians for votes.

The coalition said government assistance should reach eligible citizens because they qualify for it, and not because they support a particular political party.

VIOLENCE CASTS A SHADOW OVER CAMPAIGN

The issue of political violence also featured prominently during the briefing.

Mr Musonda said the coalition’s monitoring had found that most of the reported election-related violence had allegedly involved ruling-party supporters targeting opposition and independent candidates.

He accused the Zambia Police Service of failing to consistently bring perpetrators to account, regardless of which political camp they belong to.

The coalition said this was dangerous because when people attack others and get away with it, the message sent to the public is that political violence can be tolerated.

The organisations also referred to alleged abductions and the arrest of musicians whom they said had no connection to election-related violence.

They urged members of the public who witness violence, intimidation or other electoral misconduct to report the incidents to the ECZ or law enforcement agencies.

They also encouraged citizens to safely keep evidence of incidents where possible, saying such information could help authorities establish what happened.

LATE CHANGES LEAVE VOTERS CONFUSED

Another major concern raised by the coalition was the changes made to electoral laws and regulations close to polling day.

The organisations said amendments to the Electoral Process Act and subsequent regulations had left some voters confused about what constitutes a properly marked ballot.

They questioned why changes affecting something as basic as how a voter marks a ballot should be introduced so close to an election.

The coalition said voters should not have to walk into polling stations on Thursday wondering whether the way they have marked their ballot will be accepted.

It called for clear and consistent information from the ECZ so that voters, polling officers, political parties and election observers all understand the rules before voting begins.

TRANSPARENCY NEEDED AFTER VOTING

The coalition said its concerns do not end when polling stations close.

Fr. Boyd Nyirenda of JCTR said particular attention must be paid to the counting, aggregation and verification of results.

He called for consistent procedures across constituencies and full access for accredited political party agents and observers throughout the tallying process.

Fr. Nyirenda said the public should be able to understand how results move from polling stations to constituency centres and eventually to the national level.

He also urged the ECZ not to introduce last-minute changes that could raise unnecessary suspicion among political parties and voters.

More importantly, he warned against the spread of unverified results and rumours.

With political tensions already high, the coalition said false information about who has won or lost could quickly trigger anger and unnecessary confrontation.

The organisations therefore urged the ECZ to ensure that information released to the public is verified and communicated clearly.

PARTIES URGED TO PUT ZAMBIA FIRST

The coalition has called on the ECZ and security agencies to remain impartial throughout the electoral process.

It also wants government to keep state resources and public programmes away from partisan politics.

Political parties have been urged to control their supporters, campaign peacefully and accept the outcome of the election.

The organisations also called on the media to give all political players fair and balanced coverage, particularly during the final days of the campaign and the announcement of results.

They reminded candidates and political parties that anyone who feels disadvantaged by electoral malpractice has the option of challenging the results in court.

The coalition said disputes should be handled through the law rather than through violence or confrontation.

ZAMBIANS URGED TO VOTE

Despite the concerns they have raised, the organisations have not called on Zambians to stay away from the polls.

Instead, they have urged citizens to turn out in numbers and exercise their right to vote.

The coalition said the concerns should not discourage people from participating, but should instead remind institutions and political leaders of the responsibility they carry in protecting the vote.

Zambia has held multiparty elections since 1991, and the organisations said the country’s democratic record should not be put at risk by violence, intimidation or unfair political practices.

With polling day only days away, the coalition’s message is simple: political parties may disagree over who should govern the country, but the rules of the contest must be fair to everyone.

And, ultimately, it is the Zambian voter who must be allowed to make that choice freely at the ballot box.

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Monday	07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 17:00
Thursday	07:00 - 17:00
Friday	07:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 17:00
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00