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The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has questioned the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s timing in suspending campaign activities for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) in Kaputa Constituency, warning that inconsistent enforcement could undermine public trust ahead of the 2026 General Election.
FODEP President, Mwenda Mumbuna, noted ECZ’s decision to immediately suspend all NRPUP campaigns in Kaputa following reported acts of violence that led to the death of a member of another political party.
In a statement issued in Luska, Mumbuna said its group was concerned about the potential perception of partiality arising from the unevenness in the timing of the ECZ’s actions.
“FODEP acknowledges the ECZ’s statutory mandate and its responsibility to enforce the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2026 in order to maintain law and order during the electoral period,” Mumbuna said.
He noted that while the Commission swiftly suspended NRPUP in Kaputa, it had indicated it was still awaiting a conclusive report on the fatal incident in Magoye East Constituency in Mazabuka before taking action.
“We believe that for the ECZ to maintain public trust, the enforcement of its powers must not only be decisive but also seen to be fair, balanced, and consistent,” Mumbuna said.
He suggested it would have been best practice for the Commission to wait and gather all available information regarding both the Kaputa and Mazabuka incidents before issuing distinct decisions.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Saboi Imboela, echoed Mumbuna’s sentiments and emphasized that applying its powers evenly across all incidents, regardless of the political affiliation of the parties involved, was critical to preventing perceptions of bias and maintaining a level playing field for all political contenders.
Imboela described NRPUP as a significant contender in the upcoming elections, saying the suspension was a substantial action with far-reaching consequences.
She urged the ECZ to expedite the review process for the Kaputa matter and apply the same urgency and rigor to the Mazabuka incident.
“It is essential that the ECZ ensures that all political parties are treated equally, as a failure to do so could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and lead to suspicions of selective application of the law,” Imbolea said.
She also lamented how the Citizens First Orange Alliance 2026 presidential candidate, Harry Kalaba, was hounded out of Kalabo district in Western Province during his campaign trial which went unnoticed by the Commission.
Similary, All People’s Congress Party leader, Nasson Msoni, said it was difficult not to believe that the ECZ was playing double standards in matters perceived to be a misconduct.
“There is clearly a biased approach to mating out electoral discipline. Evidently ECZ is acting in bad faith in it’s effort to bring about electoral discipline.We urge the ECZ to demonstrate partiality in managing the electioneering process,” Msoni said.
He claimed that no one believed that the ECZ was acting independently due to its obvious bias against the opposition political parties.
“You cannot be a referee and a player at the same time.The world is closely watching the behavior and conduct of the ECZ. The credibility of the entire electoral process is at stake. The legitimacy of the electoral process anchors on fairness,” Msoni said.
He added that the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the elections should be predictable and consistent with the regulations governing the holding of free and fair elections.
However, Gideon Musonda, Advocates For Democratic Governance Foundation Executive Director said the Commission’s action was a significant and necessary step towards promoting peaceful and issue-based elections.
Musonda said the decision sent a strong message that violence had no place in a democratic society and that political actors must be held accountable for the conduct of their members and supporters.
“Such enforcement measures have the potential to serve as a deterrent to political parties, candidates and cadres who may seek to use intimidation or violence as a campaign strategy,” he said.
Musonda argued that no life should ever be lost simply because citizens are exercising their democratic right to participate in an election.
He commended the ECZ for taking action in this instance, and urged the Commission to remain impartial, consistent and fair in the enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“The Zambian people expect and deserve equal application of the law regardless of political affiliation or status,” Musonda stated.
He said, similar acts of violence, including those allegedly perpetrated by members or supporters of the ruling party or any other political formation, should attract the same level of scrutiny and sanctions where evidence exists.
Musonda called on all political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise maximum restraint, maturity and tolerance, even in situations of provocation.
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