ECZ warns of cadres in Chawama and Kasama to destabilise campaigns

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has warned that some political parties are planning to deploy cadres in Chawama and Kasama with the intention of disrupting campaign activities, raising concerns about electoral integrity and public safety ahead of intensified political engagement.

The Commission said intelligence reports indicate coordinated efforts to interfere with campaign programmes through intimidation, provocation, and the disruption of rival party events. The areas identified have previously experienced heightened political tension, prompting the electoral body to increase vigilance.

ECZ officials stated that the use of cadres to destabilise campaigns undermines the democratic process and violates the Electoral Code of Conduct. The Commission emphasised that political competition must be conducted through lawful and peaceful means, without threats or coercion directed at candidates, supporters, or the general public.

The warning comes as political parties prepare to ramp up campaign activities, with rallies, door-to-door outreach, and public meetings expected to increase in frequency. ECZ noted that such periods often attract heightened risk where partisan groups seek to assert dominance through force rather than persuasion.

The Commission said it has engaged security agencies to monitor identified hotspots and respond swiftly to any incidents that threaten public order. Officials stressed that enforcement will not target lawful campaigning, but will focus on preventing violence, intimidation, and unlawful assembly.

Political parties were reminded of their responsibility to control their supporters and ensure compliance with electoral regulations. ECZ warned that failure to do so could result in sanctions, including suspension of campaign activities in affected areas.

Community leaders in Chawama and Kasama have been urged to promote dialogue and restraint, with ECZ emphasising that peaceful participation by citizens is essential to credible elections. The Commission said voters should be allowed to engage freely with candidates without fear of harassment.

The warning also highlighted broader concerns about the role of cadres in past elections, where their involvement has been linked to clashes, destruction of property, and voter intimidation. ECZ reiterated that such practices have no place in a democratic process.

As preparations continue, the Commission said it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a secure environment for campaigning. It urged political parties to focus on policy messages rather than confrontation, and appealed to supporters to reject calls for violence.

ECZ said further warnings or enforcement actions will be issued where necessary, and stressed that maintaining peace during campaigns is a shared responsibility among political actors, security agencies, and the public.

Sensio blasts NGOs over ‘tribal promotion’

Political commentator and activist Sensio has criticised some non-governmental organisations, accusing them of promoting tribal narratives that risk deepening divisions within society. He said civil society groups must exercise caution and responsibility in how they frame political and governance issues.

Sensio argued that NGOs hold significant influence in shaping public discourse, particularly through reports, statements, and advocacy campaigns. When that influence is used in ways that emphasise ethnic identity, he said, it undermines national unity and distracts from substantive policy debates.

He said concerns arise when governance issues are framed through a tribal lens rather than assessed on the basis of law, accountability, and institutional performance. According to Sensio, such framing fuels suspicion and polarisation, making it harder for citizens to engage constructively with national issues.

The activist questioned the neutrality of organisations that, in his view, selectively highlight issues in ways that align with ethnic narratives. He warned that civil society risks losing credibility when advocacy appears politically or tribally skewed.

Sensio stressed that Zambia’s strength lies in its diversity and history of relative social cohesion. He said NGOs should contribute to strengthening that cohesion by promoting inclusive narratives and focusing on shared national challenges rather than emphasising differences.

He also cautioned that tribal framing can be exploited by political actors seeking to mobilise support through identity rather than policy. In such contexts, civil society, he argued, should act as a stabilising force rather than an amplifier of division.

Representatives of civil society organisations have previously maintained that their work is guided by principles of human rights, accountability, and transparency. They have argued that highlighting issues affecting specific communities does not amount to promoting tribalism, but rather reflects lived realities.

The exchange highlights ongoing tension between activists and NGOs over the role of civil society in political debates. As Zambia navigates an increasingly charged political environment, questions about neutrality, responsibility, and impact remain central.

Sensio called for greater introspection within the NGO sector, urging organisations to reflect on how their messaging is perceived and whether it contributes to unity or division. He said accountability should apply to all actors involved in public discourse.

Archbishop Alick Banda warned and cautioned over alleged ZRA vehicle

The Drug Enforcement Commission has confirmed that it has warned and cautioned Archbishop Alick Banda as part of ongoing investigations into his alleged possession of a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority.

In a statement issued through its Public Relations Office, the Commission said the matter is being handled by its Anti Money Laundering Investigations Unit and relates to a motor vehicle bearing registration number ALF 7734, which investigators reasonably suspect may have been unlawfully obtained. The investigation covers a period between April 2021 and December 2023.

According to the Commission, the investigation is anchored on Section 319(a) of the Penal Code, which deals with possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime. The Commission stated that the warn and caution procedure was conducted to formally inform the Archbishop of his rights and to give him an opportunity to explain how he came into possession of the vehicle.

The Commission further disclosed that when given an opportunity to explain how he assumed possession of the Toyota Hilux, Archbishop Banda chose to remain silent. DEC said investigations remain ongoing and that the public will be updated regarding the outcome at an appropriate time.

Earlier in the day, Archbishop Banda appeared at DEC offices in Lusaka after concluding mass at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus. He arrived at around 10:20 hours in the company of his lawyers, opposition political leaders, and Catholic faithful who had gathered to accompany him.

The interrogation reportedly lasted about two hours, after which Archbishop Banda returned to the Cathedral of the Child Jesus together with his legal team. His lawyers did not disclose athe outcome of the interview to the media.

During the procession to DEC offices, police officers led by Lusaka Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer Ronald Zambo described the gathering as illegal and urged sympathisers to disperse. Police maintained a visible presence as the group moved through parts of the city.

Earlier, a mass service was held at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at Pope Square to show solidarity with the Archbishop. The service was attended by scores of Lusaka residents, including several opposition political leaders. Among those present were Socialist Party President Fred M’membe, United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota, National Democratic Congress President Saboi Imboela, and Patriotic Front presidential hopefuls.

In his homily during the mass, Archbishop Banda spoke about persecution in religious service, stating that those who suffer for their service to God will be reunited and find joy in Jesus Christ. His remarks were delivered before he proceeded to DEC offices.

DEC has since clarified that recording a warn and caution statement is a standard legal procedure used during investigations. In legal terms, a warn and caution means a person is formally informed of their rights and warned that anything they say may be recorded and used as evidence. The procedure does not amount to a finding of guilt but allows investigators to document a person’s account of events.

The Commission emphasised that the process marks an early stage in investigations and that conclusions can only be reached once inquiries are completed. DEC said the investigation remains active and that updates will be provided once appropriate.

By Lusaka Times Reporter

We briefly caught up with Brian Mundubile as police officers moved in to disperse church sympathisers who had gathered near the Drug Enforcement Commission following the appearance of Archbishop of Lusaka Dr Alick Banda.

At the time of reporting, police were surrounding the roundabout near the High Court and issuing fresh instructions to push the crowd further away from the area. Mundubile was seen moving quickly as officers advanced, before getting into his vehicle and leaving the scene.

Speaking moments before his departure, Mundubile described the developments as unfortunate, stating that the gathering was peaceful and not political in nature.

He said the group largely comprised priests, nuns, and other church members who had escorted the Archbishop earlier in the day.

“This is a very peaceful crowd, predominantly of priests, nuns and other church members who may have escorted a bishop to D.E.C,” Mundubile said. “For the police to deploy this amount of force, where are our freedoms? We have freedom of movement and freedom to associate.”

According to Mundubile, the group had walked peacefully from the cathedral to the commission offices and was already dispersing when police began intervening.

“The parishioners, nuns and other priests were on their way back, but the police are now harassing them,” he said. “So when we say there is an attack on the church, this is exactly what we mean.”

As police continued to move the crowd further away from the roundabout near the High Court, Mundubile questioned the necessity of the operation, maintaining that the gathering posed no threat to public order.

“This is not a political crowd,” he said. “It is a very peaceful crowd.”

When asked how he hoped the situation would unfold, Mundubile said he expected the government to handle the matter with objectivity and maturity as questioning of the Archbishop continued.

He said he hoped President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration would exercise restraint, warning that continued confrontations involving the church could have broader implications for the country.

“If there is continued action perceived as an attack on the church, that is not good for the country,” Mundubile said.

At the time of reporting, police had not issued a public explanation for the decision to disperse the gathering. No incidents of violence or arrests were observed.

The developments unfolded as Archbishop Banda was being questioned by the Drug Enforcement Commission, amid heightened national attention over public order, freedom of assembly, and church-state relations.