Push for Informed Voting

CSO Alliance launches election activities, urges voters to reject apathy and demand clear manifestos

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 — The Civil Society Alliance on Legal Reforms has launched its 2026 election activities, calling for increased voter participation, informed decision-making, and greater accountability from political parties ahead of the August 13 General Election.

Speaking during the launch on Friday, Alliance Chairperson Caroline Katotobwe said civil society organisations remain central to strengthening democratic governance by educating citizens, promoting factual information, and bridging the gap between voters and political leaders.

She expressed concern over rising voter apathy, warning that it weakens democratic participation when citizens assume their votes do not matter. Katotobwe emphasized that voting is both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility that directly influences governance and national development.

The Alliance voiced support for the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s voter mobilisation drive, the “Count Me In” campaign, led by the , urging all registered voters to turn out in large numbers on polling day.

Katotobwe further called on political parties and candidates to move away from vague promises and instead present clear, realistic and implementable manifestos. She said voters should demand measurable policy commitments rather than relying on rhetoric during campaigns.

She encouraged citizens to use existing government programmes as benchmarks when evaluating campaign promises. These include free education, school feeding initiatives, cash-for-work programmes, the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), as well as investments in agriculture, energy and mining sectors.

Katotobwe said voters must interrogate candidates on how they intend to expand and improve such programmes, particularly in education access, local development financing, and economic growth strategies.

She also appealed for peaceful campaigns, urging citizens to reject misinformation and divisive politics while remaining actively engaged in the electoral process.

The Alliance said it will continue promoting civic education and informed participation as the country heads toward the August 13 elections, emphasizing that informed voting is key to strengthening democracy and accountability.