Access Gaps Threaten 2026 Vote

 ZAFOD says failure to implement accessibility plans weakens election credibility

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (28-01-2026) --

Zambia risks holding the 2026 General Elections under an electoral system that remains largely inaccessible, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) has warned. 

Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Accessibility Assessment, Voter Registration & Electoral Participation Report, ZAFOD Federal Director Justine Bbakali said persistent access gaps threaten the credibility of the upcoming elections.

Bbakali said the report reveals a wide gap between Zambia’s legal framework—including the Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Electoral Process Act—and the reality on the ground. 

He said this is especially worrying after the 2025 Constitutional Amendment, which introduced proportional representation seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, but whose operationalisation remains unclear.

According to Bbakali, an audit of 254 voter registration centres in 21 districts shows most centres are physically inaccessible.

Only 34.6 percent had ramps, fewer than 3 percent had proper handrails, and nearly half required voters to navigate stairs, making independent access impossible for many persons with disabilities.

Bbakali also highlighted communication barriers. She said accessible voter materials—including Braille, large print, or sign language interpretation—were available in just 9.4 percent of centres. 

Combined with a lack of trained staff, these gaps amount to a systemic failure to uphold constitutional guarantees and Zambia’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

He noted that these findings contradict the 2011 Sela Brotherton judgment, which obliges the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure accessible voting for all citizens, including persons with disabilities.

While acknowledging recent engagement between the ECZ and disability organisations, including a workshop in December 2025, Bbakali said the efforts remain isolated, uncoordinated, and insufficient to bring lasting change.

He expressed concern that the ECZ has not responded to repeated requests from ZAFOD for meetings or access to disability-related policies for review. 

Bbakali said this lack of transparency undermines meaningful collaboration and inclusion.

Bbakali added that the ECZ did not publish an Accessibility and Inclusion Plan or disclose a dedicated budget for accessibility during the 2025 voter registration exercise. 

He said these gaps weaken planning, accountability, and Zambia’s readiness for the 2026 elections.

“Electoral accessibility is not optional. It is a legal obligation and a prerequisite for credible elections,” Bbakali said. 

He called on the government, the ECZ, Parliament, political parties, civil society, and development partners to work together to close accessibility gaps and uphold the rights of more than 1.5 million Zambians with disabilities.

Bbakali urged the ECZ to immediately publish and implement a national Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy with clear timelines and a budget.

He called on the commission to upgrade or relocate inaccessible polling stations and provide accessible voter materials nationwide.

Bbakali also emphasized the need to train all electoral staff on disability inclusion and to comply fully with the Sela Brotherton judgment.

He urged ECZ to improve transparency through consistent engagement with civil society.

ZAFOD, representing more than 15 organisations of and for persons with disabilities since the 1980s, said it will continue advocating for equal and inclusive political participation for all citizens with disabilities.