ECZ, STAY IN YOUR LANE – NAWA
…as she challenges ECZ to name any presidential candidate who has been sidelined or complained to them…
As the Tonse National Women’s League, we are deeply concerned by the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to introduce a Presidential Campaign Timetable for candidates in the 2026 General Election.
While every well-meaning Zambian supports peaceful, orderly and issue-based campaigns, ECZ must operate strictly within the Constitution and the laws of Zambia. The Commission is an electoral management body, not a political referee with powers to dictate when and where presidential candidates may campaign.
For decades, Zambia has successfully held multiparty elections without an ECZ-imposed campaign calendar. This sudden departure from established democratic practice raises serious legal and constitutional questions that demand public scrutiny.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, expression, movement, and political participation. Any attempt to restrict or ration campaign opportunities must be clearly supported by law. Administrative convenience cannot replace constitutional authority.
ECZ claims the timetable is meant to create fairness and order. We ask them to name who is creating disorder and which candidate has complained of being sidelined by other political players?
Good intentions do not create legal powers. The Commission can only exercise authority expressly granted by the Constitution and the Electoral Process Act.
Zambians must be assured that no candidate will be disadvantaged or restricted through mechanisms with no clear legal foundation. Elections are not only about order; they are about safeguarding democratic freedoms and ensuring a level playing field.
We therefore challenge ECZ to publicly clarify the legal basis for this Presidential Campaign Timetable.
The mega rallies held in Kitwe, Kabwe, and Petauke by Tonse President Hon. Brian Mundubile, Presidential Candidate of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) and his Running Mate Hon. Makebi Zulu, have clearly unsettled the UPND.
We assure our members and the nation that no tricks will stop President Mundubile from becoming Republican President on 13th August 2026.
Issued by:
Rev. Sylvia Nawa
Chairperson
Tonse National Women’s League