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The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has called for urgent legal reforms to political party funding, changes to the appointment of ECZ commissioners, and stronger protection of media freedom following Zambia’s August 13, 2026 General Election.
In its preliminary statement, SEOM laid out 10 recommendations aimed at improving future electoral processes, with priority placed on enacting legislation to govern political parties.
SEOM head, Samuel Tembenu, presented the preliminary statement in Lusaka on Friday at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel.
The Mission recommended that the Government and Parliament give priority to the enactment of the legislation required by the Constitution providing for the registration, management, funding and accountability of political parties, in compliance with the direction of the Constitutional Court.
It also recommended that government and stakeholders consult on reforming how ECZ commissioners were appointed, to build confidence across the political spectrum.
“That the Government and stakeholders consult on reform of the process for the appointment of Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, with a view to a process commanding the confidence of contestants across the political spectrum,” SEOM stated.
Other recommendations included enacting electoral amendments well in advance of polls, explaining the new Mixed Member Proportional Representation system to voters, and reviewing cyber-related legislation to address what the Mission called a chilling effect on online political expression.
The report emphasized that the Government should consider reviewing the cyber-related legislation in line with constitutional guarantees and regional obligations.
SEOM further urged equal application of campaign rules to all contestants, including incumbents, and asked police to ensure reports of electoral violence are investigated and outcomes communicated to the public.
“That the Zambia Police Service ensure that reports of electoral violence and intimidation are investigated and that outcomes are communicated to complainants and to the public,” the Mission noted.
It also called for measures to increase participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities, reinforcement of closing and reconciliation procedures, and an end to any practice linking a voter’s national registration number to a ballot paper.
The SEOM also recommended that the Electoral Commission of Zambia discontinue any practice by which the national registration number of a voter is recorded against or upon the ballot paper issued to that voter.
In its key findings, SEOM said the election was governed by the Constitution and several Acts, but noted the legal framework was substantially amended late in the cycle. The amendments introduced the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system to improve representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities, though a constitutional challenge remained pending.
The Mission observed a largely peaceful campaign period and attributed improvements to the prohibition of party cadre activity and a peace pledge signed by parties on July 31, 2026 and commended ECZ for preparations, including helicopter delivery of materials to inaccessible areas in Nyimba District.
On election day, SEOM observed 277 polling stations across all 10 provinces, about 2 percent of the 13,529 set up and found 99 percent of polling stations calm and peaceful, with 80 percent opening on time.
It stated that Police conduct was assessed as professional at 247 stations.
However, SEOM recorded areas requiring improvement which included the absence of dedicated political party legislation, late electoral reforms, confusion over ballot marking, and allegations of public resources being used for campaigns.
“Most stakeholders consulted drew attention to the enactment of constitutional and electoral amendments late in the cycle and, in the view of some, with limited consultation,” the Mission reported.
On political violence, SEOM said it directly observed two violations of the Electoral Code during the campaign and recorded but could not verify reports of intimidation, assault and property damage in five provinces.
It noted stakeholders assessed the environment as an improvement on 2021, but said lack of visible police action damaged public confidence.
SEOM further expressed concern over the uncertainty after ECZ suspended counting on 14 August citing violence, before lifting it later that evening, stating atht it would address results management in its Final Report to be issued within 30 days.
Final Report would be issued within 30 days of the Preliminary Statement.
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