Masisi checks on detained opposition members
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:12
The visit comes amidst reports that several opposition members were allegedly harassed and detained in the run-up to and during the elections.
Some opposition supporters were reportedly detained on the eve of polling, whilst others were arrested on election day. The circumstances surrounding the arrests were not immediately clear.
Masisi confirmed to The Monitor that the delegation had visited police cells to check on some detainees.
However, he declined to disclose further details, saying he could not divulge information at this stage.
The development comes as the ICGLR observation mission continues to monitor the electoral process and assess the conduct of the elections, including developments affecting political parties and their supporters.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on August 15, 2026, Masisi assured the public that the observer mission had revised its departure schedule.
According to Masisi, the delegation would remain in Zambia until the full conclusion of the electoral process.
The decision to extend their stay signals the mission’s intention to closely follow developments beyond polling day, particularly as the country awaits the conclusion of the electoral process. The reported arrests of opposition members have also raised questions about the political environment surrounding the elections and whether all political players were able to participate freely.
For the observation mission, the developments present an important part of its assessment as it prepares to report on the overall conduct of the elections.
“I begin by expressing our concern at this suspension and its potential effect on the credibility of the process and the confidence of voters,” Masisi said.
“The right to have one’s vote counted is fundamental to democratic representation. Any interruption of counting may undermine that right and must be addressed transparently and urgently.”
He said this in a statement released after the suspension of election reading and engagement with both opposition and the ruling party leaders.
The former head of state had said the confirmation of the suspension was made public on August 14, 2026.
Furthermore, Masisi said it was reported that the suspension was a result of incidents of violence and logistical breakdowns.
“When we realised that tensions were rising, perhaps following the suspension of counting and the announcements of results by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), we convened as heads of mission and immediately engaged in shuttle diplomacy by calling on the main opposition and the ruling party to deescalate, to refrain from announcement of any results, to stop any inflammatory language, reassure us that they will continue respecting the rule of law and to trust us as neutral observers whom they should engage 24/7 for us to midwife this important General Election for democracy,” he added.
Masisi, however, said that to their credit, they both graciously agreed and further agreed to issue public statements immediately to communicate such pledges and report on the outcome of our meeting with them.
He said they informed the ECZ of their engagement with two main parties.
“It is our intention to engage other participants in these elections to achieve the same. To this end, we have revised our departure schedules to take effect after the full conclusion of these important elections. Upon engagement with the Electoral Commission of Zambia, they provided clear explanations for the suspension,” he noted.
He added they also shared measures taken to secure ballots, timelines and conditions required for resumption. He said ECZ further recommitted to the release of results within the mandated 72-hour period.
“As Heads of Missions, we were reassured by the explanation offered by ECZ,” he revealed.
“I wish to underscore that a credible election is not solely the technical act of counting ballots; it is the public assurance that every lawful vote will be respected and that procedures are followed transparently.”
He further pointed out that based on this understanding, the ICGLR Mission remains committed to impartial observation. He said they will continue to monitor developments on the ground, verify information, and report their findings.
“We therefore renew our call for calm, restraint, respect for the law and patience until the results are announced by the lawful authority, being the ECZ. “A detailed and full statement of the 2026 Zambia elections will be issued following the conclusion of the elections,” Masisi said.