SADC mission hails Zambia poll transparency
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday August 19, 2026 06:00
Samuel Tembenu, who led the observation mission, said the electoral process was conducted in accordance with the country’s electoral framework.
However, the mission noted areas requiring attention to further strengthen future elections.
In its statement released on August 15, 2026, the observers acknowledged that whilst the election process was generally peaceful and transparent, isolated incidents of violence and harassment were reported during the electoral period.
Nevertheless, the team commended stakeholders for following the prescribed electoral procedures, noting that the overall conduct of the elections demonstrated a commitment to democratic principles.
The observation mission did not stop at assessing the conduct of the election as it made several recommendations to the Zambian government.
These are aimed at improving the country’s electoral system and addressing shortcomings identified during the process.
Amongst other issues, the recommendations are expected to contribute to strengthening electoral reforms, promoting peaceful political participation, and ensuring greater confidence in future elections.
Tembenu said implementing the recommendations would help consolidate Zambia’s democratic processes and ensure that future elections are conducted in an environment that is inclusive, credible, and transparent.
The mission’s observations come amidst concerns raised during the election period over incidents involving violence, harassment and the treatment of some political actors.
Some of the recommendations include legislation on political parties. “That the government and Parliament give priority to the enactment of the legislation required by the Constitution providing for the registration, management, funding, and accountability of political parties, in compliance with the direction of the Constitutional Court,” the statement revealed.
On appointment of Commissioners, they said government and stakeholders should consult on reform of the process for the appointment of Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, with a view to a process commanding the confidence of contestants across the political spectrum.
The SADC commission observed that timeliness of electoral reform is important. Therefore, any proposed amendments to the electoral legal framework should be enacted, and challenges to that framework determined sufficiently in advance of an election.
“The new system of representation, the mixed Member Proportional Representation system, should be explained to contestants and to the public in advance of the next election at which it operates. Media and freedom of expression. That the government consider reviewing the cyber-related legislation in line with constitutional guarantees and regional obligations,” the statement added.
In response to electoral offences, the mission highlighted that the Zambia Police Service ensure that reports of electoral violence and intimidation are investigated.
It advised that outcomes be communicated to complainants and to the public, and that conflict-management committees continue to be supported.
However, the mission noted concern over the uncertainty and anxiety that ensued after the Commission suspended the counting and announcement of results with effect from August 14, 2026, citing reports of violence affecting counting and results processes in some districts. “In the evening of August 14, 2026, the commission announced that it had lifted the suspension, with counting and the announcement of results resuming at 10pm the same day. The mission was not in a position to observe the counting and collation of results during the period of suspension, and will address these processes, including this development, in its final report,” the report states.
It, however, said in accordance with the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections (2021), its final report will be issued within 30 days of the preliminary statement.