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A group of Zambian Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have condemned alleged surge in political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2026 general elections, warning that the trend threatens the country’s democratic foundations.
Linda Kasonde of the LCK Freeedom Foundation, speaking on behalf of a coalition of CSOs, said the groups were “alarmed at the escalating pattern of political violence, harassment and suppression of dissent” documented in recent months. The coalition includes governance, human rights and governance watchdogs.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Katunjila House in Lusaka on Thursday, Kasonde said the violence was no longer isolated but had become systemic and organised, targeting opposition figures, activists and ordinary citizens.
Kasonde linked the incidents to what she described as a shrinking democratic civic space in the country especially as the country goes to the polls on August 13.
“We record with deep concern the rising incidents of politically motivated violence, intimidation and arbitrary arrests targeting opposition political party members, activists, journalists and ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights,” she stated.
Kasonde cited specific cases of assaults at rallies, destruction of property, and the use of state institutions to harass critics and further argued that the pattern risked normalising violence as a tool of political competition.
According to Kasonde, the violence undermines Article 1 of the Constitution, which declares Zambia a multi-party democracy, emphasizing that citizens should be free to associate, assemble and express political views without fear.
“Zambia’s democracy is under threat when citizens are beaten for wearing party regalia, when rallies are disrupted by cadres, and when police stand by or act selectively,” she said.
Kasonde called on the Zambia Police Service to act impartially and prosecute perpetrators regardless of political affiliation, noting that selective enforcement had eroded public trust in law enforcement.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police and all officers to uphold the law without fear or favour. The police must protect all Zambians, not only those in power,” she said
Kasonde also challenged political party leaders to rein in their cadres and publicly denounce violence because leadership rhetoric that demeans opponents contributes to a climate of hostility.
“Political leaders must remember that Zambia is bigger than any party or individual. There can be no development, no investment, no progress in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” she stated.
The organisations further urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to ensure a level playing field and to address complaints of intimidation before nominations begin, warning that failure to act early could compromise the credibility of the 2026 polls.
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On the role of citizens, the coalition urged Zambians to reject violence and hold leaders accountable. It called for civic education to strengthen democratic values at community level.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. Every Zambian has a duty to defend it by speaking out, by voting, and by refusing to be used as instruments of violence,” Kasonde said on behalf of the group.
She concluded by warning that continued impunity would damage Zambia’s international reputation and deter investment, however pledged to monitor the situation and publish periodic reports.
“Enough is enough. The time to act is now, before we lose the Zambia our forebears built,” Kasonde stated.
The group comprises, Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, LCK Freedom Foundation, Action Aid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, Zambia Council for Social Development, Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council, Transparency International Zambia, Bloggers of Zambia, Panos Institute Southern Africa and Justice Centre for International Rule of Law.
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