Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) is deeply concerned by reports of violence, intimidation, and political tension witnessed during the filing of nomination papers in several parts of the country, including Mumbwa, Chavuma, Mazabuka, and Choma districts.
Acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and disorder should have no place in our electoral process, and we condemn them in the strongest terms. Elections are a democratic exercise that must be characterized by peace, tolerance, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. Violence and intimidation during the nomination process not only threaten public safety but also undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral environment even before campaigns officially begin.
The incidents recorded in these areas are particularly worrying because they create fear among candidates, supporters, and ordinary citizens wishing to participate in democratic processes. Such conduct contravenes the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, particularly Section 15(1)(a), which prohibits acts of violence, or use of any language or conduct which leads or is likely to lead to violence or intimidation during an election campaign or election. These actions are also inconsistent with the Electoral Code of Conduct, which obligates political parties and their supporters to promote political tolerance and to refrain from acts likely to incite violence or infringe on the rights of others.
TI-Z is especially concerned by reports from Choma involving mayoral aspirant Lungowe Sikwibele, who has publicly alleged that she received threats warning her against filing her nomination papers despite having reportedly been duly issued with an adoption certificate. The allegations that a female candidate fears physical attack for merely attempting to participate in the democratic process are extremely disturbing and make a mockery of women’s right to political participation and inclusion. Such threats not only undermine democracy but also contradict the spirit of recent legal and policy reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics, including the objectives underpinning the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025 and broader constitutional commitments to equality and non-discrimination. Women cannot be encouraged to participate in leadership while simultaneously being subjected to intimidation, exclusion, and threats of violence.
TI-Z further notes with concern the reported confusion surrounding the issuance of multiple adoption certificates for the same positions. Political parties have a responsibility to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in their internal electoral processes. Failure to do so breeds conflict, undermines confidence in party structures, and creates fertile ground for intimidation and violence.
We are equally concerned by reports that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is allegedly withholding adoption papers from aspiring candidates who did not qualify under the party’s internal adoption processes. While political parties have the right to determine their internal selection procedures, withholding adoption documents in a manner that prevents candidates from pursuing alternative lawful avenues raises serious democratic and constitutional concerns. Such actions risk undermining rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Zambia, particularly Article 21, which guarantees freedom of association, and Article 52(1), which provides for the right of eligible citizens to contest elections, subject to qualifications prescribed by law. Political parties should not frustrate individuals from exercising these constitutional rights through administrative or procedural restrictions.
TI-Z therefore urges the UPND and all political parties to immediately take steps to de-escalate tensions, release any withheld adoption documents, and ensure that aspiring candidates are able to freely exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation, or obstruction.
Further, TI-Z calls on the Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to move beyond merely monitoring the situation and take firm, impartial, and visible action against all individuals involved in acts of violence, intimidation, or threats, regardless of political affiliation. Failure to decisively enforce the law at this early stage of the electoral process risks normalising political violence and creating a climate of impunity ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Law enforcement agencies have a constitutional duty to protect all citizens equally, including aspiring candidates, political supporters, journalists, and ordinary voters. Threats against candidates must be treated with the seriousness they deserve, and where criminal conduct has occurred, arrests and prosecutions must follow. Selective enforcement or delayed action only weakens public confidence in the ability of institutions to safeguard a free and fair electoral process.
TI-Z also calls upon the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to proactively engage political parties and strengthen enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct in order to curb escalating tensions before they deteriorate further.
As Zambia moves closer to the 2026 General Elections, TI-Z stresses the importance of preserving public confidence in the electoral process. This can only be achieved where all stakeholders commit themselves to peaceful conduct, political tolerance, internal party democracy, gender inclusion, and full respect for constitutional rights.
TI-Z will continue monitoring the pre-election environment and engaging relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections that reflect the democratic aspirations of the Zambian people.
Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
