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The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has raised the alarm over alleged deterioration of Zambia’s political and electoral environment during the candidate nomination period for the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
CCMG’s third Long-Term Observation Report, covering April 27 to May 25, 2026, documented a sharp increase in electoral tensions and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct across the country.
In the report released in Lusaka on Friday, CCM Programmes Manager, Peter Mwanangombe, said while presidential nominations were generally peaceful and followed established procedures, parliamentary nominations were marred by violence, intimidation, harassment and disruption of processes, CCMG said.
Independent candidates were among the most affected, with many obstructed from exercising their constitutional right to participate in elections.
Mwanagombe said CCMG recorded 35 critical incidents during the reporting period compared to 8 in the previous period.
“These included politically motivated violence, harassment and intimidation of candidates and supporters, destruction of campaign materials, use of government resources for political activities, arming of cadres, and disruption of nomination processes,” he said.
The report stated that many of the incidents were linked to disputes arising from candidate adoption processes within political parties.
CCMG also expressed concern over the continued use of military-style attire and masks by political cadres, ferrying of supporters across constituencies, and distribution of money and other inducements to voters.
“Such practices undermine public confidence in the electoral process and increase the risk of electoral conflict,” Mwanangombe said.
He, however, welcomed the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s directive suspending campaign activities in identified hotspots following acts of political violence.
Mwanangombe urged all political parties, candidates and supporters to fully comply with the suspension and campaign schedules.
“The suspension must be strictly enforced without fear or favour, and any violations should attract swift and transparent sanctions in accordance with the Electoral Process Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he stated.
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Mwanangombe noted that consistent enforcement was essential to restoring public confidence and preventing further escalation of tensions as the country moves into the campaign period.
He called on political parties to strengthen internal dispute resolution mechanisms and uphold democratic candidate selection processes.
Mwanangombe further urged the Zambia Police Service to thoroughly investigate all reported incidents of electoral violence and hold perpetrators accountable regardless of political affiliation.
“The ECZ should continue strengthening enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct, expand voter education efforts, and provide regular public updates on actions taken in response to reported violations,” he said.
Mwanangombe noted that civil society, traditional leaders, religious leaders, the media and citizens also had a critical role in promoting peace, tolerance and respect for democratic processes.
He reaffirmed its commitment to impartial observation and evidence-based reporting, and pledged to continue monitoring developments to ensure the August 13, 2026 elections are peaceful, free, fair and reflective of the will of Zambians.
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