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Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to proactively engage political parties and strengthen enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The call comes amid reports of violence, intimidation, and political tension witnessed during the filing of nomination papers in several parts of the country.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe said the incidents were recorded in Mumbwa, Chavuma, Mazabuka, and Choma districts.
Nyambe said acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and disorder should have no place in the electoral process, and it condemned them in the strongest terms.
“Elections are a democratic exercise that must be characterized by peace, tolerance, fairness, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
Nyambe said violence and intimidation during the nomination process not only threatened public safety but also undermined the integrity and credibility of the electoral environment even before campaigns officially began.
He said the incidents created fear among candidates, supporters, and ordinary citizens wishing to participate in democratic processes.
“Such conduct contravenes the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, particularly Section 15(1)(a), which prohibits acts of violence, or use of any language or conduct which leads or is likely to lead to violence or intimidation during an election campaign or election,” Nyambe cited.
He said the actions were also inconsistent with the Electoral Code of Conduct, which obligated political parties and their supporters to promote political tolerance and to refrain from acts likely to incite violence or infringe on the rights of others.
Nyambe expressed concern with reports from Choma involving mayoral aspirant Lungowe Sikwibele, who had publicly alleged that she received threats warning her against filing her nomination papers despite having reportedly been duly issued with an adoption certificate.
“The allegations that a female candidate fears physical attack for merely attempting to participate in the democratic process are extremely disturbing and make a mockery of women’s right to political participation and inclusion,” he said.
Nyambe said such threats undermined democracy and contradicted the spirit of recent legal and policy reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics.
He cited the objectives underpinning the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025 and broader constitutional commitments to equality and non-discrimination.
Nyambe also noted concern over reported confusion surrounding the issuance of multiple adoption certificates for the same positions.
“Political parties have a responsibility to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in their internal electoral processes,” he said.
Nyambe warned that failure to do so bred conflict, undermined confidence in party structures, and created fertile ground for intimidation and violence.
He further expressed concern over reports that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) was allegedly withholding adoption papers from aspiring candidates who did not qualify under the party’s internal adoption processes.
Nyambe urged the UPND and all political parties to immediately take steps to de-escalate tensions, release any withheld adoption documents, and ensure that aspiring candidates are able to freely exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, or obstruction.
He also called on the Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to take firm, impartial, and visible action against all individuals involved in acts of violence, intimidation, or threats, regardless of political affiliation.
“TI-Z will continue monitoring the pre-election environment to promote peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections,” Nyambe assured.
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