STAKEHOLDERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER ECZ CONDUCT OF 2026
STAKEHOLDERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER ECZ CONDUCT OF 2026
By Raphael Mulenga
Stakeholders have raised concerns over the manner in which the electoral commission of Zambia -ECZ- conducted the 2026 general election, saying the process was not entirely free and fair.
Giving an overview of Thursday’s polls, advocate for good governance -ADEG- has charged that several aspects of this year’s elections disadvantaged some participants.
ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda said the pre-election environment was marred by legislation and institutions that were allegedly used to disadvantage the opposition, citing the public order act and the cybersecurity and cybercrimes laws.
Mr. Musonda further criticized the nationwide suspension of vote counting over isolated incidents of violence, saying that only the affected constituencies should have been targeted, and called for disputed results to be reconciled transparently with stakeholders at constituency level.
He has urged the ECZ to uphold transparency and ensure disputes are resolved amicably, warning that delays, alleged violent conduct and arrests linked to complaints over results do not inspire confidence in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, foundation for democratic process -FODEP- Executive Director Elijah Rubvuta said his organization has noted concerns calling for enhanced and verified tallying of votes generated at polling stations to be done transparently.
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