Zambia's 2026 Election Marred by Rights

A consortium of five Zambian civil society organisations has documented numerous violations of civil and political rights during the country's August 13, 2026 general elections. The Ziko Lathu Consortium, comprising ActionAid Zambia, Panos Institute Southern Africa, the Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council, MISA Zambia, and Young Women in Action, delivered its assessment on the same day, citing over 100 incident reports and 1,200 checklist submissions.

Polling Station Issues and Voter Disenfranchisement

The consortium reported that the late opening of polling stations effectively disenfranchised voters. In Kasama, the Ndoloka polling station reportedly opened at 12:15 hours. A delayed opening at a station in Ngombe contributed to a stampede where a woman was injured and rushed to hospital unconscious. An elderly woman was also reportedly injured. The relocation of polling stations to alternative sites, reportedly because original venues were too small, caused confusion and similar injuries in two areas. This was also reported in Kafue West Constituency.

Selected polling stations experienced shortages of materials, including ink, leading to temporary stoppages. Several incidents were reported where ballots were stamped on the front instead of the back at least three times, raising suspicion. In selected stations, voting booths were unavailable, requiring voters to use tables, which affected voter secrecy. There were also reports of inadequate voter secrecy, including voters being observed while marking their ballots.

In one incident, five voter cards were reportedly confiscated from a voter by suspected party cadres, and the affected voter was not allowed to vote. Polling staff were reportedly seen giving priority to people they recognized, leading to complaints. The consortium also noted a lack of adequate facilities for vulnerable groups such as Persons with Disabilities and the elderly, specifically observed at the Ngombe PTA Polling station in Roma Constituency.

Harassment, Violence, and Security Concerns

Campaigning was reportedly taking place at polling stations by prominent candidates and party representatives. Misinformation about the movement of pre-marked ballot papers reportedly contributed to violence. The consortium expressed deep concern over reports of harassment of female journalists. At Maramba Polling Station, a Zambezi FM journalist was allegedly subjected to two separate incidents of mistreatment, including being roughed up by police officers and having footage deleted. A ZANIS journalist was reportedly assaulted by party cadres in Olympia.

The consortium strongly condemned violence against women in elections. It also noted with concern reports of violence in some parts of the country. In Makululu Compound in Kabwe, there were reports of polling staff and voters being subjected to stone-throwing incidents. The consortium reported the presence and conduct of suspected party cadres at some polling stations, indicating they were effectively manning a station, a role outside their mandate.

A female police officer reportedly faced intimidation from suspected party cadres. The consortium observed a number of incidents involving the harassment of Zambia Police Service officers, describing it as deeply concerning. It also expressed concern by reports of the presence of Zambia Army officers at Celeste Primary School Polling Station in Masaiti-Mbala, stating their presence risks escalating tensions.

Calls to Uphold Rights and Process Integrity

The consortium issued a call to action, urging the Electoral Commission of Zambia to promptly address reported operational challenges to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process. It called on all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, political actors, and the public, to uphold and protect media freedom and ensure journalists can carry out their duties freely and safely.

It called on the Police to maintain professionalism and take swift action against any acts of violence, intimidation, or harassment. The consortium appealed to all political actors to exercise restraint and respect the law. It called for the protection of media freedom and the safety of journalists, election observers, and law enforcement officers. It encouraged all Zambians to remain peaceful, reject misinformation and violence, and contribute to a transparent process. The consortium remained concerned about the apparent lack of preparedness and its impact on citizens' ability to exercise their constitutional right to vote.