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The Zambia Police Service has warned people against vandalization of campaign materials belonging to political parties and candidates.
Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi reminded the public that every candidate and political party had the constitutional right to campaign freely and lawfully, including the right to display posters, billboards, and other materials.
“These acts are unlawful and undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” Chilabi said.
He warned that under the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, the Electoral Code of Conduct prohibited defacing, removing, damaging, or destroying campaign materials.
Chilabi said offenders were liable, upon conviction, to a fine of up to two hundred thousand penalty units, equivalent to K80,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
He added that such acts may also constitute malicious damage to property under Section 335(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, which carries up to two years’ imprisonment.
“The Service therefore warns all political actors and members of the public against engaging in any form of vandalism or interference with campaign materials. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” Chilabi stated.
He disclosed that Police had intensified patrols, investigations, and rapid response to deal with incidents and that the Service was also working with the Electoral Commission of Zambia on community sensitisation and public awareness campaigns.
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Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has condemned the vandalization of campaign materials, calling it unacceptable and urging United Party for National Development members not to retaliate.
“The vandalism of campaign materials is unacceptable and has no place in our democracy,” President Hichilema wrote on his Facebook page on June 25, 2026.
“We condemn such acts in the strongest terms,” he said.
Addressing UPND members and supporters directly, the President called for restraint amid reports of damaged posters and billboards in some parts of the country.
“To all UPND members and supporters, we urge you not to retaliate,” he said. “Remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding. Let us leave the politics of thuggery, intimidation and destruction in the past where it belongs.”
Hichilema warned those behind the vandalism and their sponsors to expect legal consequences.
“To those involved in such thuggery acts and their sponsors, don’t cry persecution when caught. As we approach the elections, let us win through ideas, not violence; through unity, not intimidation; and through peace, not provocation,” the President added.
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