Chawama Poll a Test for August


By-election seen as benchmark for general elections — CSEIFZ

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (14 January 2026)
The Chawama parliamentary by-election scheduled for tomorrow will serve as a critical test of Zambia’s preparedness for the August General Elections, with peace, transparency and credibility expected to define the entire process.

Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) Chairperson Solomon Ngoma has said is calling on all political parties, voters and election stakeholders to maintain peace before, during and after the poll, warning that any form of violence or intimidation would undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He said the organisation commends political parties for conducting peaceful and non-violent campaigns, describing the calm political environment in Chawama as a positive sign of growing democratic maturity in the country.

Ngoma said the same spirit of tolerance must continue during voting, the counting of ballots and the announcement of results, adding that elections must strengthen the collective will of the people rather than divide communities.

He said the Chawama by-election will also provide a clear indication of how prepared the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is to conduct free, fair and credible general elections later this year.

Ngoma said the credibility of tomorrow’s poll will set the tone for the August elections, stressing that ECZ must demonstrate openness, fairness and accountability at every stage of the electoral process.

He further said election monitors and observers have a critical role to play in safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring that the outcome reflects the genuine will of the people.

Ngoma said CSEIFZ remains committed to promoting democratic governance and electoral integrity and has called on political parties, voters, observers and the ECZ to uphold peace, fairness and transparency.

He said doing so will not only enhance the credibility of the Chawama by-election but also strengthen public trust in the general elections scheduled for August this year.

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