Church group urges strict enforcement of electoral code in Chawama election, after observed breaches in Petauke

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to strictly, transparently and impartially enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct during the Chawama Parliamentary by-election scheduled for January next year.

CCMG Programmes Director, Peter Mwanangombe, said the group had documented incidents of voter inducement through cash distribution and political violence during the Petauke Constituency by-election in Eastern Province.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Mwanangombe said CCMG expects zero tolerance for the use of state resources, social protection programmes and public office to campaign for the benefit of any candidate in Chawama.

He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct by refraining from vote buying, hate speech, intimidation and violence, and to conduct peaceful campaigns in line with the law.

“Drawing from incidents of electoral violence recorded during the Petauke campaign period and on election day, CCMG expects the Zambia Police Service to enforce the law impartially, provide equitable security to all contesting parties, and act swiftly and professionally to prevent and respond to electoral violence,” Mwanangombe said.

He further urged the ECZ to ensure timely and coordinated accreditation of monitors, observers, party agents and the media, and to guarantee unhindered access to polling stations for all duly accredited stakeholders.

On inclusivity, CCMG called on the ECZ to ensure polling stations in Chawama were accessible to persons with disabilities, including the provision of ramps and appropriate voting materials, in line with the law and policy guidelines.

Mwanangombe also appealed to the media to remain professional, balanced and impartial, provide equal access to all candidates, and support voter education and peace messaging.

He urged citizens to reject voter inducement, safeguard their National Registration Cards (NRCs) and voters’ cards, and report electoral malpractices to relevant authorities.

Mwanangombe encouraged eligible voters in Chawama to turn out peacefully and in large numbers on January 15, 2026, to exercise their democratic right.

He said CCMG had deployed seven long-term observers ahead of the by-election and called on all stakeholders to uphold peace, transparency and strict adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The by-election followed the declaration of the Chawama Parliamentary seat vacant under Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution, after the prolonged absence of the incumbent Member of Parliament.

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