from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE opposition has accused Zambia’s ruling party of planning to rig the August elections through technology.
The allegation has intensified tensions between the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and the governing United Party for National Development (UPND), led by President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking a second term.
The PF, formerly led by Edgar Lungu, claims that Moses Jere, First Secretary for Communications at the Zambian Mission in New York, has arrived in Zambia with “rigging software”.
“Of interest is the package Jere is carrying. He is carrying 20 special laptops loaded with highly encrypted rigging software,” the PF alleged.
The opposition further claimed that the envoy was carrying financial contributions from diplomatic missions in Brazil, New York, and Washington.
The PF alleged that the materials were intended for use in election manipulation.
The UPND has rejected the allegations.
The party has been in power since 2021, when Hichilema defeated Lungu.
Critics accuse the government of authoritarian tendencies, despite earlier democratic pledges.
Recent developments include the cancellation of the RightsCon 2026 conference and the temporary closure of several radio stations over alleged interference concerns.
– CAJ News