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Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has raised concern over rising political violence and growing tensions across the country as Zambia prepares for the August 2026 General Elections.
In its Second Elections Project Update released under the Kuteteza Masankho Elections Project, TI-Z said it continued to monitor the electoral environment nationwide and engage stakeholders on issues affecting electoral integrity.
The update focuses on three key issues emerging from TI-Z’s election monitoring: incidents of political violence and selective enforcement, public declarations of assets by presidential candidates, and findings from analysis of party manifestos.
TI-Z Acting Executive Director Raymond Mutale cited a specific incident in Kabwe district where a meeting scheduled to be addressed by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity aspiring Kabwe Central candidate, Patrick Chishala, was disrupted.
He said suspected political party cadres damaged campaign equipment and later vandalised property at the candidate’s residence, with the situation escalating further and resulting in arrests.
“TI-Z remains concerned by reports of political violence, intimidation, and growing political tensions emerging from various parts of the country,” Mutale said.
He referenced Section 110(1) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 as amended by Act No. 12 of 2026, which obliges the Electoral Commission of Zambia to enforce the Code of Conduct.
Mutale noted that Section 4(1)(i) of the Code allows political parties and candidates to carry out campaign meetings peacefully, while Section 4(3) provides penalties for contravention.
“TI-Z therefore calls upon all political parties and their supporters to reject violence and intimidation in all its forms,” he said.
Mutale further urged the Zambia Police Service and ECZ to ensure the law and Electoral Code of Conduct were applied impartially and without favour, regardless of political affiliation.
On transparency, Mutale welcomed Citizens First presidential candidate, Harry Kalaba’s recent public disclosure of assets and liabilities following his nomination with ECZ.
He said the publication sparked significant public debate about transparency, accountability, and integrity among individuals seeking the presidency.
“The periodic and consistent declaration of assets and liabilities is an important anti-corruption preventive measure as it promotes transparency, helps deter illicit enrichment, and provides citizens with a benchmark against which public leaders can be held accountable,” Mutale said.
He encouraged all presidential candidates contesting the August 2026 General Elections to voluntarily disclose assets and liabilities declared to ECZ.
Mutale noted that while public disclosure was not currently a legal requirement, there was equally no legal prohibition against candidates voluntarily making such information public.
The organisation further urged the Zambia Police Service, ECZ, and other relevant institutions to continue discharging their mandates professionally, impartially, and transparently.
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