Following the close of nominations for Presidential, National Assembly and Local Government elections ahead of the 13 August polls, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) notes with concern incidents of violence, harassment, intimidation, and online threats that prevented candidates from filing their nominations. While CCMG notes the statement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) issued on 22 May 2026, the ECZ did not act swiftly to these occurrences despite having the legal mandate to protect the rights of citizens to participate. CCMG calls on the ECZ to seriously reflect on the violence that occurred at nomination centres and engage the leadership of political parties involved in view of ensuring lawful conduct of political parties, candidates and their supporters. This is an infringement of the rights of citizens to stand in elections as enshrined in the Republican Constitution and in part 2 Articles 3 and 25 of the ICCPR[1].
CCMG documented a total of twelve (12) incidents that were spread across six (6) provinces including Central, Lusaka, Muchinga, North-Western, Western and Southern Provinces. As noted previously, some of these incidents led to the prevention of candidates from filing for nominations through the blockage of access to the ECZ-designated nomination centres. CCMG further notes the statement that was issued by the ECZ on 22 May 2026. However, through that statement, the ECZ failed to respond promptly and decisively despite its clear constitutional mandate to safeguard the rights of candidates and voters.
While we note that the UPND announced the expulsion of its members involved in violent activities during nominations, the party should report such members to law enforcement agencies for violating the electoral Code of Conduct. This will demonstrate UPND’s commitment to violence free campaign period and adherence to the electoral code of conduct and the respect to the rule of law.
As the campaign period is underway, CCMG expects the ECZ to monitor campaign activities of political parties and candidates to ensure compliance with the electoral Code of Conduct in line with Paragraph 3 (2) of the Electoral Process Act. Further, the ECZ should invoke Section 110 of the Electoral Process Act by suspending candidates who breach the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Recognising that access to media is critical, the ECZ should ensure that all candidates have equal access to public media as provided for under Article 50 of the Constitution, Section 29 of the Electoral Process Act, and Paragraph 8 (20) of the Electoral Code of Conduct and in compliance with the Ndola High Court consent judgement.
Furthermore, CCMG calls on the Zambia Police to ensure public safety and the protection of citizens and property. CCMG notes with deep concern the conduct of Zambia Police Officers who failed to provide adequate protection to candidates subjected to violent attacks during the filing-in of nominations and urges the Police to strengthen security measures and enhance preparedness to ensure public safety. The Zambia Police must remain vigilant and effectively carry out its duties as outlined under Paragraph 6 of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
We call on all political parties, candidates, and citizens to strictly comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct and adhere to campaign timetables drawn jointly by the ECZ, Zambia Police, political parties, and candidates.
Finally, CCMG commends the ECZ for conducting candidate nominations in a largely calm manner, and in accordance with established procedure. CCMG also commends political parties and candidates for maintaining a largely calm environment and for exercising patience and restraint particularly during presidential nominations at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
