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The Zambia Centre for Inter-party Dialogue (ZCID) says it will facilitate structured dialogue ahead of this year’s general elections on August 13, reaffirming its mandate as the umbrella institution for political parties since 2002.
The Centre, however, stressed that political parties must come to the table prepared to engage meaningfully, to listen as much as they speak, and to prioritise the national interest over partisan considerations.
In a statement, ZCID Board Chairperson Joyce Musenge noted that with only a few months remaining before the general election scheduled for August 13, 2026, calls for dialogue among political actors have grown increasingly urgent.
She said stakeholders across society had consistently called on ZCID to take a leading role in guiding the process.
“The central question is whether ZCID is prepared to spearhead this dialogue, and whether political actors themselves are genuinely willing to sit together at the round table,” Musenge said.
She added that dialogue could not be reduced to a symbolic exercise, a formality or performance for appearances, but must be a serious undertaking requiring honesty, courage, and commitment.
Musenge further noted that, in principle, the dialogue process had already begun.
“ZCID has been actively engaging political players away from the media eye, laying the groundwork for structured dialogue before coming public with the actual process,” she said.
She explained that these quiet consultations were crucial to building trust and ensuring that, when formalised, the dialogue would be inclusive, credible, and effective.
According to Musenge, ZCID’s readiness is supported by its technical and institutional capacity, expertise, and established frameworks designed to guide inclusive dialogue processes.
“Ongoing Political Engagement: Since March 2024, ZCID has consulted over 15 political parties, including high-level engagements with His Excellency the President, reaffirming our role as a neutral and trusted platform,” she said.
She added that more than 35 political parties had already reached consensus on the Political Parties Bill, demonstrating the potential for collective agreement. With over 43 registered parties under ZCID, dialogue is increasingly seen as essential to managing Zambia’s political diversity.
However, she acknowledged that challenges persist, including trust deficits, differing expectations, and limited time before the 2026 elections.
Musenge said ZCID’s next steps included finalising consultations to inform a Summit of Political Party Presidents and designing a transparent, inclusive dialogue framework.
She said that the Centre also planned to extend engagement to the Zambia Police, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, eminent persons, and other key stakeholders.
“Balancing urgency with realistic timelines ahead of the August 2026 elections and focusing dialogue on electoral reforms, political conduct, conflict-resolution mechanisms, and conditions for peaceful, free, and fair elections,” she stated.
Musenge emphasised that meaningful dialogue was the lifeblood of democracy; without it, suspicion deepens, polarization widens, and the risk of instability grows.
Through genuine engagement, she said, Zambia had the opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure peaceful elections, and safeguard the will of the people.
She called on all political parties and stakeholders to approach the process with sincerity, patriotism, and a shared commitment to national unity.
“Zambia’s democracy can only thrive when leaders talk to each other—not about each other—and when collective national interests are placed above partisan considerations,” she said.
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