The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has deployed seven (7) Long-Term Observers (LTOs) ahead of the Chawama Parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and calls on all stakeholders to uphold peace, transparency, and strict compliance with the Electoral Code of Conduct. The by-election follows the declaration of the Chawama Parliamentary seat as vacant in accordance with Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution of Zambia, after the prolonged absence of the incumbent Member of Parliament.
CCMG’s observation of the by-election is conducted in fulfilment of its mandate to promote credible, transparent, peaceful, and inclusive electoral processes, and to contribute to public confidence in Zambia’s democratic institutions.
The seven (7) LTOs are monitoring the pre-election environment, including preparations by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), political party and candidate campaign activities, voter education and information efforts, and adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct. On polling day, CCMG will deploy accredited election-day observers to all 111 polling stations across Chawama Constituency to observe the conduct of voting, counting, and results management processes.
Following CCMG’s observation of multiple by-elections including the recent parliamentary by- election in Petauke Central Constituency Eastern Province, CCMG has the following expectations for the Chawama Parliamentary By-Election:
CCMG expects the ECZ to strictly, transparently, and impartially enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct. In Petauke, CCMG documented incidents of voter inducement through cash distribution and acts of political violence. CCMG therefore expects zero tolerance for the use of state resources, social protection programmes, or public office to campaign for the benefit of any candidate in Chawama;
CCMG further expects all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct by refraining from voter inducement, hate speech, intimidation, and violence, and to conduct peaceful campaigns in accordance with the law;
Drawing from incidents of electoral violence recorded during the Petauke campaign period and on election day, CCMG expects the Zambia Police Service to enforce the law impartially, provide equitable security to all contesting parties, and act swiftly and professionally to prevent and respond to electoral violence. Furthermore, CCMG expects the ECZ to ensure timely and coordinated accreditation of monitors, observers, party agents, and the media, and to guarantee unhindered access to polling stations for all duly accredited stakeholders; and
On inclusivity, CCMG expects the ECZ to ensure that polling stations in Chawama are accessible to persons with disabilities, including the provision of ramps and appropriate voting materials, in line with the law and existing policy directives.
CCMG calls on the media to remain professional, balanced, and impartial in their coverage, provide equal access to all candidates, and support voter education and peace messaging.
In conclusion, CCMG urges citizens to reject voter inducement, safeguard their NRCs and voters’ cards, and report electoral malpractices to the relevant authorities. CCMG further encourages all eligible voters in Chawama Constituency to turn out peacefully and in large numbers on 15 January 2026 to exercise their democratic right to vote.
