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The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has lamented what it described as a growing trend of electoral corruption being allegedly carried out by politicians in churches and across constituencies.
The party urged the Zambia Police Service, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to take keen interest in investigating such practices.
In an interview in Lusaka on Monday, FDD spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, said the trend was not only criminal but also has the potential to subvert the will of voters and undermine democracy.
Chibuye alleged that politicians and had been targeting churches, hospitals, chiefdoms, and constituencies,
bribing people under the guise of foundations and charitable donations.
He specifically criticized President Hakainde Hichilema and UPND officials, claiming they had made substantial donations to churches, community groups, and women and youth organizations, which were not made during their time in opposition.
“It is very unfortunate that politicians like President Hichilema are now making donations as high as K300,000, while ministers reportedly bought chickens for K100,000,” Chibuye said.
He cited examples from Kabushi Constituency, alleging that UPND surrogates were distributing money, food, and building infrastructure such as boreholes and toilets to position themselves for political office in 2026.
Chibuye also criticized some clergymen, alleging that they had used the pulpit to advance the political interests of those providing donations.
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He warned that the country was already in the election period, with less than eight months to nominations for presidential, parliamentary, and local government candidates.
“So any donations, whether in cash or in kind, should be deemed as electoral corruption. All aspiring candidates, from ward councillors to presidential hopefuls, are hereby warned,” Chibuye stated.
He also cited Nkana Constituency, where a donor allegedly pledged K50,000 monthly until August 2026.
Chibuye called on church mother bodies to ensure churches remained places of worship, rather than being turned into political stages.
“Rampant electoral corruption is a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law. As a party, we demand that ECZ publishes clear guidelines banning questionable donations,” he said.
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