HRC CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY OVER ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN 2026 ELECTIONS

The Human Rights Commission has called for stronger accountability for electoral violence, safeguards against arbitrary arrests and detention, and greater transparency in electoral processes following its monitoring of Zambia’s 2026 General Election.

In its report covering the period from 2025 to September 30, 2026, the Commission recommends reforms to strengthen human rights protection throughout the electoral cycle, including campaigning, voting, counting and results management.

The report reveals that the Commission recorded 126 election-related incidents across 12 categories, including 37 incidents of violence, 12 cases categorized as electoral fraud, eight cases of voter intimidation and seven cases of vandalism.

In a statement, HRC Chairperson Pamela Sambo  also raised concerns over prolonged detention, delayed court appearances, access to legal representation and disparities in public media coverage of political actors.

Dr. Sambo  further noted barriers affecting the participation of women and persons with disabilities, including gender-based harassment and inaccessible polling facilities that may undermine independent and secret voting.

While acknowledging that voting and counting proceeded in an orderly manner at many locations monitored, the Commission observed limitations in access to some stages of results verification and aggregation.

She said the suspension of counting and the announcement of results between midday and 18:00 hours on August 14, 2026, created an information gap, highlighting the need for timely and transparent communication by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Dr. Sambo recommended that Government and Parliament review relevant electoral, public order and criminal procedure laws, while urging law-enforcement agencies to ensure detainees have prompt access to lawyers, family members and medical care.

She also called on the Judiciary and National Prosecution Authority to maintain access to judicial services during politically sensitive periods and urged public media to provide fair, balanced and equitable coverage of electoral contestants.

The Commission said credible elections depend on protecting citizens’ rights throughout the electoral cycle and has pledged to continue monitoring outstanding concerns, investigating alleged violations within its mandate and engaging responsible institutions to ensure accountability and redress where violations are established.