No Funding, No Retreat

FODEP turns to 1,200 volunteers to keep election watch alive ahead of August 13 polls

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – 6-08-2026) -- The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says it will not step aside from its role of monitoring Zambia’s elections despite failing to secure funding for its traditional comprehensive election observation mission.

FODEP Chairperson Mweenda Mumbuna said the organisation has chosen to rely on its long-standing network of volunteers to ensure that citizens continue to have an independent voice watching over the electoral process.

Mumbuna said FODEP’s commitment to election monitoring dates back to 1991, adding that the organisation has remained present in every general election because credible elections require the involvement of citizens and independent observers.

He said financial challenges would not stop FODEP from playing its part in protecting the integrity of Zambia’s democratic process.

“We cannot walk away from our responsibility simply because resources are limited,” Mumbuna said.

He said FODEP will use a volunteer-based approach, with about 1,200 monitors expected to be deployed across the country. The monitors will come from the organisation’s structures in all 116 districts and will serve without expecting any payment.

Mumbuna said the volunteers have willingly offered their time and resources, with each one signing a commitment confirming that they understand the nature of the assignment.

He said most monitors will observe polling stations in areas where they live and are registered to vote, while others will move around their communities to monitor developments where possible.

Mumbuna said FODEP has submitted an application to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) seeking accreditation for the volunteer monitors ahead of the August 13 polls.

He said although the volunteers have experience from previous elections, FODEP will still prepare them for the task by updating them on recent changes in electoral laws, procedures and regulations.

Mumbuna said the initiative, known as the FODEP Volunteer Election Monitoring Initiative 2026, will concentrate on what happens at polling stations, electoral conduct, reported incidents and the transparency of results management.

He explained that the exercise is not a Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) or a statistical national survey, but a monitoring effort aimed at documenting what takes place during the election process.

Mumbuna said monitors will rely on evidence from the ground, including photographs of officially displayed G20 Results Forms, to support FODEP’s observations.

He acknowledged that the volunteer approach may not allow the organisation to achieve complete coverage of every polling station, but said FODEP expects to have a presence in nearly all 226 constituencies depending on volunteer availability.

Mumbuna said the organisation will be open about areas where its monitors are deployed and those where it may not have representation.

He appealed to political parties, the Zambia Police Service, the ECZ, civil society organisations and citizens to support a peaceful election environment and allow accredited observers to perform their duties freely.

Mumbuna urged stakeholders to respect both the FODEP and ECZ Codes of Conduct, saying cooperation will help maintain confidence in the electoral process.

He said FODEP will release its preliminary findings within 48 hours after the close of polling and announcement of official results.