Civil Society Rejects Bill

Groups warn Electoral Process Amendment risks weakening transparency, voter participation and democratic safeguards

Civil society organisations have rejected the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill No. 44 of 2026, with Peter Mwanangombe warning that several of its provisions could undermine transparency, voter participation and key democratic safeguards.

Mwanangombe, speaking on behalf of the Alliance for Community Action (ACA), Caritas Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, and the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), said the groups had formally submitted a memorandum to Parliament calling for significant revisions to the Bill.

He said while the National Assembly’s move to seek public input was commendable, the current draft falls short of regional and international standards.

The submission follows earlier consultations with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and a Ministry of Justice engagement held in March.

Mwanangombe said one of the major concerns is the requirement for political parties to submit proportional representation (PR) lists only after election results are finalised.

He said the approach limits voter scrutiny and creates administrative challenges for the Electoral Commission of Zambia, which would be required to verify candidates and resolve disputes within tight timelines.

“This system denies voters the opportunity to review PR candidates before voting and instead allows parties to effectively appoint candidates after securing seats,” Mwanangombe said.

He said the organisations are recommending that party lists be submitted before elections to allow for vetting, public scrutiny and possible legal challenges.

Mwanangombe also criticised the proposal to reduce the voter register inspection period from 90 days to 14 days, describing it as insufficient for meaningful review, particularly for rural voters.

He further objected to provisions restricting access to the voter register to electronic platforms, saying many citizens still rely on physical access due to limited internet connectivity.

On the allocation of PR seats at local council level, Mwanangombe said the proposed formula based on 18 percent of National Assembly PR figures is unclear and difficult to implement.

He said the lack of guidance on handling fractional seat allocations raises concerns over transparency and could lead to disputes.

Mwanangombe also raised concern over the removal of the “zipper system,” which required alternating male and female candidates on certain PR lists.

“Without such safeguards, women’s representation could decline as parties may prioritise male candidates,” he said.

He further criticised provisions allowing political parties to recall councillors elected through the PR system at any time during their term, saying this undermines democratic principles and risks turning elected officials into party appointees.

Mwanangombe also cited reduced transparency in candidate information, noting that the Bill limits publication of details for parliamentary and local government candidates.

“This restricts voter access to critical information needed to make informed decisions,” he said.

He added that the Bill contains legal inconsistencies, including contradictions in provisions governing PR lists, vacancy replacements and electoral dispute mechanisms.

Mwanangombe warned that tight timelines could hinder effective adjudication of electoral petitions and may conflict with constitutional provisions on electoral justice.

He urged Parliament to revise the Bill to align it with constitutional requirements, regional frameworks and international best practices.

“Electoral reform must strengthen — not weaken — public confidence in Zambia’s democratic process,” Mwanangombe said.