CSEIFZ Warns Against Attacks on ECZ Ahead of 2026 Polls
Lusaka, Zambia24 - (16-05--2026) - The Civil Society Election Integrity Forum of Zambia (CSEIFZ) has cautioned political parties and stakeholders against what it described as growing attacks on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), saying undermining the electoral body threatens the credibility of Zambia’s democratic process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
CSEIFZ Chairperson Solomon Ngoma told Zambia24 that no political party or candidate should participate in elections while simultaneously insulting or discrediting the Commission responsible for managing the process.
Ngoma said branding ECZ commissioners as “UPND cadres” without evidence was reckless and risked eroding public trust in elections.
“The Commissioners at ECZ are not political cadres. They are officials appointed to protect and manage the electoral process,” he said.
He warned that unsubstantiated accusations against the Commission could weaken citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions and fuel unnecessary tension during the campaign period.
CSEIFZ also challenged media houses to exercise professionalism in their coverage of electoral matters, accusing some platforms of giving space to individuals attacking ECZ officials who are unable to immediately defend themselves.
The organization said media institutions have a duty to safeguard democracy by refusing to amplify misleading or disrespectful narratives targeting election officials.
At the same time, the forum appealed to international observers to verify information before drawing conclusions on Zambia’s electoral environment.
Ngoma said false information and disinformation had become increasingly common, urging observer missions to consult credible authorities, civil society organizations and election stakeholders before issuing reports.
“Reports must be based on facts, not disinformation,” he stated.
CSEIFZ further called on political parties to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns that promote national unity instead of division.
The organization said elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to choose leaders in a peaceful and respectful environment.
While defending the ECZ, the forum also urged the Commission to remain professional and uphold the will of the Zambian people, particularly by adhering to its electoral timetable and avoiding uncertainty surrounding changes to key dates.
“The ECZ is the referee of our elections, and like any referee, it must be respected for the game to be fair,” Ngoma said.
He added that attacks on the Commission were equivalent to attacking the elections themselves and warned that democracy could only grow stronger if institutions were allowed to operate without intimidation or insults.
CSEIFZ said it would continue engaging stakeholders to promote credible, transparent and peaceful elections as the country moves closer to the 2026 polls.
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