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The Consortium of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance and Constitutionalism has expressed deep concern over escalating incidents of electoral violence as the country approaches the August 13, 2026 general elections.
Acting Consortium Spokesperson, Clifton Chifuwe, said the Civil Society Organisations were monitoring reports of intimidation, harassment and disruption of political campaigns in various parts of the country.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday following reports of electoral violence in some parts of the country, the group condemned all acts of violence regardless of who committed them and called for calm as the campaign period enters its final days.
It noted that evidence collected by its election monitors suggested some incidents involve supporters of the ruling party.
“We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, harassment and disruption of political campaigns, regardless of who commits them,” Chifuwe said.
He expressed particular concern with the video evidence, photographs and reports indicating that a number of incidents involved supporters and cadres of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
Read More: Again, Hichilema condemns political violence, as opposition alleges intimidation
“We are particularly concerned by video evidence, photographs and reports from our election monitors indicating that a number of these incidents involve supporters and cadres of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND),” Chifuwe said.
He, however, acknowledged President Hakainde Hichilema for publicly condemning electoral violence and for reaffirming government’s commitment to peaceful elections, saying his directive to the police provided the political will needed for law enforcement.
“Violence has never won an election in Zambia. History teaches us that neither the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) nor the Patriotic Front (PF) was saved by political violence,” Chifuwe stated.
He appealed to UPND leaders, officials and members to exercise restraint and provide responsible leadership by disciplining supporters who engage in electoral violence and also called on the Zambia Police to enforce the law impartially.
Chifuwe argued that perceptions of violence and intolerance contributed to the loss of power by previous ruling parties, and warned that the same lessons should not be ignored by any party seeking public office in the current elections.
“Every assault, every act of intimidation and every disruption of an opponent’s campaign risk pushing genuine voters away rather than attracting them to that particular political party,” he said.
Chifuwe further called on all political parties, candidates and supporters to reject provocation and to conduct themselves peacefully for the remainder of the campaign and on polling day.
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