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IBA WARNS BROADCASTERS

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The Authority says no campaign interviews, speculation on polling day and urges media houses to put accuracy and public interest ahead of the race for election results. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 11-08-2026 -- The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has sounded a firm warning to broadcasters ahead of Thursday’s elections, telling them not to turn polling day into a platform for campaign interviews, election predictions or unverified results. With millions of Zambians expected to cast their ballots on Thursday, the Authority says broadcasters have a big responsibility on their shoulders — to give the public information they can trust at a time when emotions are likely to run high. IBA Independent Broadcasting Director Webster Malido said the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines, issued in May, were meant to help broadcasters report the elections fairly, accurately and responsibly. He said the guidelines were not simply about regulating broadcasters, but e...
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CSOs DEMAND FAIR PLAY

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Coalition raises alarm over political inequality, election violence and late changes to voting rules ahead of Thursday’s general election By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24, 10 -08-2026 -- — Civil society and faith-based organisations have raised the alarm over what they describe as an uneven political playing field, growing election-related violence and confusion caused by changes to voting rules ahead of Thursday’s general election. The organisations say these concerns cannot simply be brushed aside, arguing that the credibility of the August 13 election will depend on whether every Zambian is able to walk into a polling station and freely cast a vote without fear, intimidation or undue influence. They say it is not enough for voting to take place peacefully on the day if the process leading to the ballot has already placed some political players at a disadvantage. The concerns were raised during a joint briefing involving 11 organisations — Caritas Zambia, Chapter One ...
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MDC CONFRONTS MPUNDU

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Hikaumba demands retraction as MDC warns ‘ready to kill’ remarks threaten electoral peace By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24, Sunday, August 9, 2026 — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has confronted former lawmaker Binwell Mpundu over remarks in which he allegedly said he and others were ready to be killed and to kill ahead of Thursday’s general elections. MDC Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has described the remarks as inflammatory and irresponsible, warning that such language could heighten political tensions and threaten Zambia’s peaceful electoral environment. Mr Mpundu is reported to have said in a recent video address: “Aya ama elections aya, there is a lot at stake for some of us,” before adding: “We are ready to be killed, and we are ready to kill.” Mr Hikaumba said the remarks were particularly disturbing coming from a former legislator who should understand the responsibility that comes with political leadership. He said political competition should never be reduce...
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FOUR DAYS TO POLLS,

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CIVIL SOCIETY WARNS AGAINST VIOLENCE, POLICE BIAS — MWANZA SAYS ELECTORAL PROCESS IS GENERALLY ON COURSE BUT WARNS CREDIBILITY CANNOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – 9-8-2026 -- A major civil society consortium has warned that Zambia’s electoral process could lose public confidence in the final days before Thursday’s general election if political violence, alleged police bias and growing concerns over the conduct of institutions are not addressed. With only four days remaining before Zambians go to the polls, Consortium Chairperson Isaac Mwanza said the electoral process was “generally on course”, but warned that the progress made so far should not be taken as proof that everything was guaranteed to go well. Mr Mwanza, who delivered the Consortium’s pre-election assessment yesterday, said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and other stakeholders had done a lot of work in preparing for the election. But he said the real test would be whether the ...
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PEACE PLEDGE PUT TO THE TEST

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ZCID challenges political parties to turn commitments into action as tensions rise ahead of Zambia’s August 13 General Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- Zambia24 -- 7-08-2026 -- The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has called on political parties, candidates, supporters and all stakeholders to reject violence, exercise restraint and uphold peace as Zambia moves closer to the August 13 General Elections. ZCID Executive Director Doreen Njovu Kabwe said the situation was particularly disappointing because it comes shortly after political party leaders signed a National Peace Pledge committing themselves to tolerance, respect for democratic principles and non-violence throughout the electoral process. Ms Kabwe said ZCID had noted with concern the rising political tensions and continued reports of acts of violence ahead of the elections, warning that such actions threaten to undermine Zambia’s democratic values, national unity and the credibility of the...
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NO TRUCKS, NO ECONOMY

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Government, employers and unions race to ease truck drivers' hardships before transport disruptions hit the country By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 7-08-2026 -- The Government has called an urgent meeting with employers and trade unions to address truck drivers' long-standing complaints over subsistence allowances amid growing concern that frustrations among drivers could disrupt the movement of goods and affect businesses and households across Zambia. The high-level meeting followed reports that some truck drivers had abandoned their trucks in protest, raising fears that any prolonged disruption would choke the supply of fuel, food, raw materials and other essential commodities that keep the country's economy running. Addressing the Transport Sector Stakeholders Consultative Meeting in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zachariah Luhanga described truck drivers as the lifeblood of Zambia's economy, saying every jour...
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ZAMBIA’S SON AT OXFORD’S HELM

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First Black Lord Mayor of Oxford pledges to use historic position to promote cooperation in education, investment, research and community development. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 6-08-2026 -- The first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Chewe Munkonge, has pledged to use his historic position to promote stronger relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom, with a focus on expanding cooperation in education, investment, research and community partnerships. Councillor Munkonge said his journey from humble beginnings in Zambia to one of Britain’s oldest civic offices should inspire young people to believe that opportunities are possible regardless of their background. Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa at Cabinet Office in Lusaka, Councillor Munkonge said returning home was an emotional moment because Zambia shaped his character and provided the foundation for his journey. “I am humbled to be the first Black Lord...
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