ZAFOD Demands Inclusive Reforms

Organisation warns against reduced disability representation and incomplete voter data ahead of the 2026 elections

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia — (12-05-2026) - The Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) has demanded inclusive reforms ahead of the 2026 General Elections, warning that the proposed Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 could weaken disability representation and reduce accountability in governance.

ZAFOD Director Justine Bbakali told Zambia24 that the proposed amendment bill could reverse gains made under the current law by reducing the number of representatives of persons with disabilities on the Board of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Bbakali said the current 2012 law was designed to ensure broad representation of different disability groups, women and youths under the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

However, he said the new amendment bill proposes a smaller board with only one representative from organisations of persons with disabilities, a move ZAFOD believes could lead to exclusion and tokenism.

“Board composition is not an administrative detail — it is the backbone of accountability. Any reform that reduces the voice of persons with disabilities undermines the purpose of the Agency,” Mr. Bbakali said.

ZAFOD has since called on Government and Parliament to restore and expand disability representation on the board, while ensuring the inclusion of women, youths and human rights institutions.

Meanwhile, the organisation has also raised concern over disability voter registration data ahead of the 2026 elections.

While commending the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for improving accessibility during voter registration, ZAFOD said the reported 20,000 registered voters with disabilities should not be treated as the full national figure because it excludes people registered in previous exercises.

Mr. Bbakali further noted that the voter registration system only captures limited disability categories, leaving out many people with psychosocial, intellectual and other disabilities.

ZAFOD also said many voters have not been allowed to update their disability information, contributing to under-reporting.

The federation has urged ECZ to improve disability data collection, allow updates to voter records, strengthen accessibility in the electoral process, and increase consultations with organisations representing persons with disabilities.

“As Zambia prepares for the 2026 General Elections, inclusive governance and accessible elections are constitutional obligations, not optional commitments,” ZAFOD stated.