Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Lusaka, Zambia – The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) views with deep concern any conduct that seeks to obstruct, intimidate, or coerce persons seeking to exercise their lawful political rights during the current electoral period. We condemn, unequivocally and without qualification, all acts of electoral violence, whether directed at candidates, supporters, voters, the media or election officials, regardless of who perpetrates them or against whom they are directed.

Zambia's Constitution is clear on this matter. Article 45(2) provides that the electoral process shall ensure that elections are free and fair and expressly requires that they be free from violence, intimidation and corruption. This is not an aspirational language; it is a constitutional obligation binding on every citizen, political actors, and institutions in this country. The right to participate freely in elections, including the right to offer oneself as a candidate and to complete the nomination process without hindrance, flows directly from that constitutional guarantee, read together with Article 46, which affirms every qualifying citizen's entitlement to register and vote by secret ballot.

These constitutional protections are reinforced by the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, as amended in 2021 and 2026. The Code of Conduct under that Act is explicit: every person has the right to campaign freely, to participate freely in partisan political activities and to seek the protection of the law from any potential harm arising from their political opinion or affiliation. Section 14 of the Code prohibits any person from using threats, violence, or coercion to intimidate another during campaigns or elections. Section 15 goes further, prohibiting any conduct that causes or is likely to cause violence or intimidation and any action that prevents the reasonable access of any candidate or political party to voters. These provisions apply universally. They do not distinguish by party, affiliation or political standing.

The Electoral Process (Code of Conduct) (Enforcement) Regulations, as amended by Statutory Instrument No. 35 of 2020, provide the ECZ with a clear mandate to act swiftly where breaches of the Code occur, including powers to hear urgent complaints within 72 hours and to disqualify candidates or parties found in breach. JCTR calls on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to exercise those powers fully and without favour wherever violations are reported.

JCTR reminds all political actors that a democratic election derives its legitimacy not only from the casting of votes on polling day, but from the integrity of every stage of the electoral process that precedes it, including nomination. An election from which eligible citizens have been excluded by force is not a free and fair election. It is a distortion of the democratic Will that the Constitution exists to protect.

JCTR calls on all political parties, candidates, their supporters, and the general public to honour both the letter and the spirit of Zambia's electoral laws. We further urge law enforcement agencies to act swiftly, professionally, impartially, and decisively to protect the rights of all people engaged in lawful electoral participation. The JCTR stands ready to support all efforts by civil society, the ECZ, and relevant state institutions to ensure that the 2026 elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and genuine democratic freedom.

For further clarifications, please contact JCTR on Tel: 260-211- 290-410 Fax: 260-211-290-759, or E-mail: info@jctr.org.zm and admin@jctr.org.zm.  Website: www.jctr.org.zm. Location: 3813 Martin Mwamba Road, Olympia Park, Lusaka.