Peace at Risk Before Polls

TI-Z Urges Political Parties to End Violence and Intolerance

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — 7-7-2026 - Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has warned that rising cases of political intimidation, violence and restrictions on political activities could undermine the credibility of the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

According to TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe, the organisation recorded 12 cases of political intimidation, 11 incidents of violence, 11 tense situations likely to escalate and 10 cases involving restrictions on political activities during its electoral monitoring period.

In its third elections update under the Kuteteza Masankho Project, TI-Z said its monitoring between May and June recorded 218 electoral events across the country, with 159 being peaceful while others involved intimidation, violence and political tensions.

Nyambe said some of the reported incidents included the destruction of campaign billboards and vehicles belonging to independent candidates in Solwezi, vandalism of campaign materials in Kalumbila and Luanshya, and disruption of a UPND campaign activity in Kitwe.

He said TI-Z also recorded allegations of intimidation, including threats against a UPND ward coordinator in Kabwe Central, detention of an aspiring candidate in Isoka and derogatory remarks allegedly directed at an independent candidate in Mwandi.

Nyambe warned that the incidents reflected growing political intolerance and urged political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their members by enforcing disciplinary measures against those involved in violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of campaign materials.

He said TI-Z welcomed the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) voter education efforts but urged citizens to verify their polling stations, reject vote buying and participate peacefully in the elections.

Nyambe said while the ECZ’s clarification that President Hakainde Hichilema, in his capacity as Head of State, would not be required to follow the presidential campaign timetable may be constitutionally justified, there was need for transparency to ensure that state resources and institutions were not perceived to give any candidate an unfair advantage.

He urged the ECZ, Zambia Police Service and other relevant institutions to handle electoral matters impartially and professionally, saying consistent enforcement of electoral laws was critical to preventing violence and maintaining public confidence.

Nyambe said TI-Z would continue monitoring electoral developments and engaging stakeholders to promote peaceful, transparent and credible elections ahead of the 2026 polls.