Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Zimpapers Writer
The Sadc Electoral Observation Mission has described Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general election as largely peaceful, but warned that the absence of legislation on political party funding poses the biggest risk to future polls.
Head of Mission Mr Samuel Tembenu, former Malawi Minister of Justice, released the preliminary findings in Lusaka on Saturday.
The mission deployed 106 observers from 10 SADC states who visited 277 polling stations, representing about 2 percent of the 13 529 stations nationwide. The poll was contested by 14 presidential candidates and covered 226 constituencies and 1 858 wards, with a voters’ roll of 8 786 300.
Mr Tembenu said that while voting day was overwhelmingly peaceful, key constitutional directives regarding political party oversight remain unfulfilled.
“The Mission regards this as the most significant structural gap in the framework governing these elections, the obligation having remained outstanding across successive administrations,” Mr Tembenu said. He added that in the absence of dedicated legislation, political parties continue to register under general laws enacted decades ago.
“Parties are instead registered under legislation of general application governing societies, enacted in 1965, which does not provide for the requirements in fact applied to registration, nor for the registration of alliances,” Mr Tembenu said. “In its absence, no mechanism exists by which party income or expenditure may be disclosed or audited, and no basis exists in law for distinguishing the resources of the State from those of a governing party in a contest in which the incumbent is also a candidate.”
The mission reported that the voting atmosphere was calm at 99 percent of the observed stations, attributing the improved environment to the prohibition of party cadre activity and the signing of a political peace pledge on July 31.
However, the mission raised concerns over operational practices that potentially compromise ballot secrecy.
“The Mission observed that at some polling stations the national registration number of the voter was recorded against or upon the ballot paper issued to that voter,” Mr Tembenu added. “The Mission makes no finding as to the purpose of that practice. It observes, however, that any procedure by which a ballot paper can be traced to an identifiable voter is inconsistent with the secrecy of the ballot.”
Addressing the post-election climate, Mr Tembenu expressed concern over public anxiety caused when the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) temporarily halted operations on 14 August before resuming later that night.
“Of particular concern was 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,” he said.
“The Mission urges all contestants, their supporters and all stakeholders to remain calm, to refrain from any act of violence or interference with electoral officials or materials, and to pursue any grievance through the legal remedies available.” SEOM recommended that Zambian authorities prioritise enacting laws on political party management, review commissioner appointment procedures to build broader public trust, and enforce strict safeguards around ballot secrecy.
In line with regional electoral protocols, the mission will publish its comprehensive Final Report within 30 days.
