ECZ urges peaceful 2026 campaigns

LUSAKA – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has issued a resolute call for peace ahead of the 2026 General Election, urging all political stakeholders to uphold civility and promote non-violence throughout their campaigns. In a recent media briefing, the commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to impartiality, assuring the nation of a fair and transparent electoral process. ECZ Chairperson, Justice Esau Chulu, or a representative speaking on behalf of the commission, highlighted the critical role that political parties, their leaders, and supporters play in shaping the electoral landscape. "Our mandate is to deliver free, fair, and credible elections," stated the ECZ official. "However, this cannot be achieved without the full cooperation of all participants. We implore parties and candidates to refrain from divisive rhetoric, hate speech, and any actions that could incite violence, ensuring that political discourse remains focused on issues rather than personal attacks." The call for peaceful campaigns comes against a backdrop of historical challenges where political tensions have sometimes escalated during election periods, leading to isolated incidents of violence. The ECZ's proactive stance is seen as an effort to mitigate such occurrences and foster an environment where citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. The commission emphasized the need for adherence to the electoral code of conduct, reminding parties of the punitive measures for non-compliance. Furthermore, the ECZ underscored its readiness to engage with all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and the media, to disseminate messages of peace and national unity. Training programmes for election monitors and security personnel are also anticipated to ensure that any potential flashpoints are managed effectively and impartially. The commission's commitment extends to ensuring a level playing field for all contestants