from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE pre-election violence in northern Zambia does not bode well for the holding of credible general election in 2026.
Incidents have been reported in the Mupili ward in Lupososhi district of the Northern province where in late August, the Socialist Party (SP) and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) during campaigns for the by-election.
The by-election is scheduled for September 18.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) condemned the conduct.
“The relevant law enforcement agencies are pursuing the matter,” Brown Kasaro, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, said.
This past weekend, SP candidate for the Mufili by-election, Justine Mulenga, was arrested for allegedly instigating the violence.
Fred M’membe, SP President, denounced the police for the arrest.
“They alleged that he broke the handle of a UPND-owned vehicle, which is not true,” M’membe added.
“They want to curtail his campaign or derail him from fully participating in the elections,” M’membe alleged
He further accused the UPND of attempting to weaken the opposition.
“They want to kill the competition,” he stated.
Critics and some opposition accuse the electoral commission and law enforcement of bias in favour of the UPND of President Hakainde Hichilema.
His government is accused of infiltrating the opposition since he took over office in 2021, after polls marred by violence.
Allegations are intensifying as polls set for August 2026 approach.
For this month’s by-elections in Chishi, Chibulala and Mufuli wards, ECZ has appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters participating to adhere strictly to the campaign timetable and confine their activities to areas allocated to them.
“Compliance with these arrangements is critical in preventing conflict, promoting peaceful campaigns and ensuring a level playing field for all participants,” Kasaro said.
He urged all to adhere to comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“Failure to comply may attract the necessary sanctions,” Kasaro concluded.
– CAJ News