Lawyers condemn election violence, call for peaceful polls

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has condemned acts of violence that marred the filing of nominations ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.

LAZ President Arnold Kaluba said the conduct was unlawful and a threat to the democratic values Zambia has long upheld.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Kaluba warned that acts of political violence risked fuelling political tension and could undermine the credibility of the elections.

He stated that Zambia’s identity as a beacon of peace was built election after election through the collective commitment of its people and institutions.

Kaluba urged all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to strictly adhere to the electoral laws, including the Electoral Code of Conduct, which prohibits acts of violence and other electoral malpractices.

He reminded stakeholders that since independence, Zambia has held multiple peaceful elections that earned it the status of a “beacon of peace.”

He said this status must be maintained by all stakeholders as it was critical to the country’s economic development.

“The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) unequivocally condemns the acts of violence that have marred the filing of the nominations ahead of 13th August 2026, General Elections. Such conduct is not only unlawful, but an attack on the constitutional rights of every Zambian citizen and a threat to the democratic values our nation has long upheld,” Kaluba stated.

He called upon the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to deliver violence-free, fair, and credible elections in accordance with its mandate under Article 229 of the Constitution.

Kaluba said the ECZ should promote dialogue among stakeholders and fairly apply the electoral rules and the Electoral Code of Conduct.

He added that applying the rules fairly would safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing that adherence to the law is essential for maintaining public confidence in the outcome of the elections.

“Zambia’s identity as a beacon of peace was not inherited; rather, it was built, election after election, through the collective commitment of its people and institutions. Acts of political violence would not only risk fuelling political tension but also have the potential to undermine the credibility of the elections,” Kaluba said.

He called on the ECZ to also ensure the enforcement of the Code of Conduct against any person or political party that committed offences prescribed under Part VII of the Electoral Process Act, 2016, and other applicable electoral regulations.

Kaluba further called upon all Zambians to jealously guard the country’s peace and to refrain from engaging in acts of violence or any other electoral malpractices. He said protecting peace is a responsibility shared by all citizens.

“As campaigns are officially scheduled to commence on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, LAZ urges all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to strictly adhere to the electoral laws, including the Electoral Code of Conduct, which prohibits acts of violence and other electoral malpractices,” he stated.

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