Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) is deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the electoral environment ahead of the 13 August 2026 General Elections. CCMG findings during the observation period between 23 June to July 2026, shows the continued escalation of politically motivated violence, voter inducement and violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct. CCMG notes with concern that failure to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct transparently and swiftly creates an environment of impunity for these types of offenses.
CCMG documented ten incidents of politically motivated violence during this observation period, bringing the total number of such incidents recorded during the campaign period to twenty-two. CCMG is concerned with the four election-related fatalities recorded during the 2026 campaign period. These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for all stakeholders to reject political violence and recommit themselves to peaceful, lawful, and issue-based campaigns and uphold the sanctity of life.
CCMG also notes continued disruptions of campaign activities, destruction of campaign materials, incidents of harassment and intimidation, violence against women in elections, and an increase in reports of voter inducement through the distribution of money, foodstuffs, and other goods. There are also concerning, continued reports of the collection of voters’ card details and National Registration Card (NRC) information, as well as isolated cases involving the misuse of public office and government resources for partisan political purposes. These practices undermine public confidence in the electoral process and threaten the credibility of the elections and CCMG calls on the relevant authorities to investigate these reports and enforce the relevant sanctions.
CCMG commends the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for maintaining high levels of voter education and continuing preparations for the elections. However, more coordinated action is required from all electoral stakeholders to ensure that the remaining campaign period is peaceful, inclusive, and conducted in accordance with the law. Additionally, there remains low awareness of the new mixed member proportional representation system and CCMG calls on the ECZ and other stakeholders to engage citizens and political parties to build greater understanding of the new provisions.
CCMG calls upon all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to exercise maximum restraint, condemn violence in all its forms, and adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct. Political competition must never come at the expense of human life, democratic freedoms, or peaceful participation in Zambia’s democratic processes. CCMG further urges ECZ, the Zambia Police Service, the Anti-Corruption Commission, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and all citizens to fulfil their respective responsibilities in promoting peaceful elections. CCMG will continue to independently and impartially monitor the electoral environment and provide timely, evidence-based information to the public as the country prepares for Election Day.
