President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive for law enforcement agencies to remain alert before and during campaigns has reopened debate around election security, institutional neutrality and the role of state agencies during the 2026 campaign period.
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President Hakainde Hichilema directed law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert before, during and after campaigns ahead of the August 13 general election, warning that individuals threatening public order, national unity or security would face the law regardless of political affiliation.
The remarks quickly spread across political circles, civic platforms and social media after the President stated that democracy allows robust political participation but does not permit actions capable of undermining peace or national stability. He further said the law would apply equally to all citizens, including members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
The directive arrived during a period already shaped by alliance negotiations, nomination disputes and public disagreement over the conduct of institutions ahead of campaign launches. The withdrawal of the Miles Sampa faction from the presidential race and disputes linked to candidate eligibility have added further pressure to an election season already attracting heavy public attention.
Government figures defending the President’s remarks described the directive as a necessary security message ahead of what is expected to become one of Zambia’s busiest campaign periods in recent years. Supporters of the administration pointed to political misinformation, aggressive online mobilisation and regional examples of election-related unrest as reasons security agencies needed to remain prepared.
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KEY POINTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Security directive — Law enforcement agencies were instructed to remain alert throughout campaigns.
Government position — The President said the law would apply equally regardless of political affiliation.
Public concern — Some civic figures warned that strong security messaging during campaigns may create fear among opposition supporters and activists.
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Civil rights activist Brebner Changala criticised the President’s remarks and accused the administration of relying heavily on state institutions during politically difficult moments. He argued that language centred heavily on enforcement and security can easily be interpreted differently during election periods where opposition parties are already questioning institutional neutrality.
Other civic voices carried in sections of the press warned that public trust in elections depends heavily on whether citizens believe institutions such as police, ECZ and regulatory bodies are operating fairly across all political camps during campaigns.
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“Any individual or group found wanting by the law, from whatever political persuasion, including members of our own party, will be on their own.”
— President Hakainde Hichilema
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The President’s remarks also came shortly after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) rejected the presidential nomination of United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) leader Charles Chanda, a decision that placed additional public focus on institutional conduct and procedural consistency ahead of campaigns.
Several figures aligned with the ruling party maintained that strong security messaging should not automatically be interpreted as intimidation, arguing that elections require visible public order safeguards because of the speed at which misinformation and political mobilisation now spread across digital platforms.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, continued pressing institutions to demonstrate fairness and restraint during campaigns, especially in areas involving rallies, police clearances and political gatherings.
CAMPAIGN ENVIRONMENT
Alliance activity — Opposition formations continue discussing coordination ahead of campaign launches.
Institutional scrutiny — ECZ rulings and security messaging are receiving heavier public attention.
Campaign phase — Parties are beginning to expand mobilisation structures, rally planning and provincial operations.
President Hichilema has continued presenting his administration as committed to peaceful campaigns and orderly elections throughout the country. Government figures have also repeatedly stated that security agencies will operate within constitutional limits during the campaign period.
Parties are now moving deeper into campaign preparations as alliance talks, candidate mobilisation and rally planning expand ahead of the August election.
