The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed allegations that it is restricting presidential candidates from campaigning, saying its proposed campaign timetable is intended to promote order, fairness and peaceful coexistence during the campaign period.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with presidential candidates, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Commission’s role is to facilitate a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process and not to frustrate any candidate or political party.
Ms Zaloumis explained that unlike parliamentary, mayoral, council chairperson and local government candidates who already campaign within defined constituencies and wards, presidential candidates have not previously operated under a coordinated national timetable, resulting in overlapping campaign activities and potential tensions.
“The advisory was not issued to frustrate anybody. Our objective is to facilitate an environment in which all candidates can campaign freely, safely and fairly while reducing avoidable clashes and tensions,” she said.
She added that the proposed timetable will complement existing campaign schedules and provide a national framework to guide presidential campaigns ahead of the August 13 General Election.
Ms Zaloumis also reminded political parties and candidates that ballot paper printing for the 2026 General Election will commence on June 30 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and urged stakeholders to send representatives to witness the process at their own cost.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro announced that all 14 presidential candidates, either in person or through representatives, had agreed to develop a campaign timetable to govern presidential election campaigns.
Mr Kasaro said the Commission received submissions from the candidates and would use them to finalize the timetable, which will indicate the provinces in which candidates will campaign at specified periods, while details of districts will be communicated later.
He said the timetable will serve as notice to the Zambia Police Service, with candidates only required to engage district electoral officers and police regarding the specific districts where campaign activities will be held.
Mr Kasaro further disclosed that the meeting took note of the unique position of UPND presidential candidate, President Hakainde Hichilema as both candidate and Head of State, adding that the timetable will be shared with the Office of the President to ensure coordination with the schedules of the other candidates.
The ECZ Chief Electoral Officer also warned that candidates who violate the agreed timetable risk sanctions under the Electoral Code of Conduct, including suspension from campaigning.
“In the event that a candidate goes contrary to this agreed timetable, the Commission will have to deal with that particular candidate rather than all the candidates,” Mr Kasaro said.
And speaking on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe welcomed the consensus reached, describing the meeting as a demonstration of democratic dialogue and inclusiveness.
Mr Haimbe said all stakeholders were given an opportunity to express their views on the proposed timetable and reiterated President Hichilema’s commitment to fostering free, fair and participatory elections.
“The process was one in which, very importantly, there was dialogue. Different views were put across in relation to the content of the timetable, and everyone was able to express their views,” he said, expressing confidence that all stakeholders would abide by the resolutions reached.
