Government has in partnership with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, launched the Deepening Democracy Project.
The Project which will run from 2025 to 2027 aims to entrench the principals of democratic governance, promote structural transformation and reinforce institutional capacity in order to foster transparency, accountability and inclusivity in Zambia.
The media reports that speaking during the launch ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, stressed that through the partnership, the Commission seeks to deliver inclusive, credible and efficient elections in 2026.
She added that the Commission seeks to achieve this through strengthened electoral integrity, independence and enhanced technical as well as logistical capacities.
“The Project presents an opportunity for the Commission to be supported in areas such as communication, gender and inclusivity, voter education, conflict prevention and early warning,” she explained.
The ECZ Chairperson has noted that the Commission has been a beneficiary of the United Nation’s electoral assistance since 2006, further expressing gratitude for the incremental support over the years.
And Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary, Isabel Lembathe, has expressed happiness with the project’s deliberate focus to empower women, the youth and persons with disabilities, among other marginalised groups.
She has indicated that the project aligns with government’s 8th National Development Plan which recognises transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation as vital pillars for sustainable national development.
“By investing in institutional capacity, electoral technology and civic education, we are collectively reinforcing Zambia’s standing as a beacon of democracy in the region,” the Permanent Secretary stated.
Ms Lembathe has since assured of government’s commitment to ensuring the legal and policy environment in the country continues to uphold transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.
And UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, stated that the project would contribute to electoral integrity by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
He explained that this would be achieved through targeted, on-demand capacity building, improved electoral logistics systems, digital innovation, and the strategic use of data and technology, including artificial intelligence, to promote transparency and voter engagement.
“We will also support training for judges, magistrates, police officers, and conflict management committees, to reinforce professionalism, electoral justice, and respect for human rights throughout the electoral process,” Dr Wakiaga said.
At the same meeting, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali reaffirmed the U. N’s support to Zambia’s democratic governance agenda.
She has also urged Zambians to ensure they register as voters, further calling on stakeholders to support the ECZ’s voter registration campaign.
