ECZ cations against political violence

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has cautioned that political violence could discourage voter participation and undermine confidence in the electoral process ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections. ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, says there is no justification for any form of violence during an election, as candidates and political parties have been given an opportunity to compete peacefully. Speaking during the 2026 Election Update Programme, Mr Kasaro said isolated incidents of violence had been recorded during the campaign period, with the Police intervening to restore order and deal with alleged perpetrators.

“There is no justification for any form of violence in an election. Candidates and political parties have been given an opportunity to compete, and ultimately, the people will make a choice,” he said. He noted that the ECZ had, in some instances, suspended campaigns in areas where violence had occurred, adding that the suspensions were lifted once order was restored.

Mr Kasaro said political violence could negatively affect voter participation by creating fear among citizens and preventing them from freely engaging in the electoral process. He said the Commission had also introduced a presidential campaign timetable to bring order to the campaign process and minimise clashes among competing candidates. “The objective of the Commission was to bring order to the campaign process of the presidential candidates, and having understood the rationale, the presidential candidates agreed to the arrangement,” Mr Kasaro said.

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He said the arrangement had largely helped candidates to campaign in designated areas and reduced the possibility of clashes between them. He said the ECZ remained open to engaging political parties, civil society organisations, the Church and other stakeholders to address concerns arising during the electoral process. Meanwhile, Mr Kasaro said the printing of ballot papers had been completed, with the first consignment expected to arrive in Zambia on Sunday, July 26, 2026 and the entire consignment expected before the end of July.

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