Zambia’s 2026 General Elections have been described as one of the most challenging and deeply troubling electoral periods in recent years, with concerns ranging from alleged irregularities in the handling of election materials to rising political tensions and misinformation.
As the country awaits the conclusion of the electoral process, questions have continued to emerge over reports of alleged ballot paper theft or destruction, the reported disappearance of GEN 20 forms, interruptions in vote counting at some totalling centres, alleged abductions and arrests of political actors, tear-gassing at some centres, and the rapid spread of unverified information online.
While many of these claims remain allegations requiring independent verification, their sheer volume has contributed to growing public anxiety and uncertainty.
Concerns Over the Electoral Process
Among the issues attracting public attention are allegations that ballot papers were stolen or burnt, as well as claims surrounding the handling and movement of GEN 20 forms.
There have also been reports of suspended counting or verification at some totalling centres, further fuelling questions about the transparency of the electoral process.
However, allegations surrounding the election must be distinguished from established facts. Electoral authorities and other relevant institutions have a responsibility to investigate credible complaints and provide timely explanations where concerns have been raised.
The integrity of electoral materials and the preservation of a clear audit trail remain particularly important in maintaining public confidence.
Political Tensions Spill Onto Social Media
Beyond the polling and counting process, the election has also exposed increasingly bitter political divisions online.
Political disagreements have frequently turned into personal attacks, insults and hostile exchanges between supporters of different parties and candidates.
Social media has become a major source of election information, but it has also provided fertile ground for misinformation, disinformation and unverified claims.
In an environment where emotions are already running high, citizens are being urged to exercise caution before accepting or sharing information whose source and authenticity cannot be established.
Facts and Institutions Matter
For journalists and citizens alike, one of the most important lessons from any election is that facts matter, institutions matter and truth matters.
Claims of electoral misconduct should be investigated through established legal and institutional processes rather than settled through social media speculation or political confrontation.
Similarly, electoral officials must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without intimidation, while political parties and candidates should have access to appropriate mechanisms for challenging decisions or results they dispute.
The credibility of an election ultimately depends not only on the final figures but also on whether citizens believe that the process used to arrive at those figures was transparent, verifiable and lawful.
Zambia Must Come Before Politics
Regardless of political affiliation, Zambians ultimately share a common interest: a peaceful country governed by credible institutions.
Political power is temporary, but the country remains.
Leaders and political parties will eventually change, but the consequences of weakening democratic institutions, damaging relationships and normalising political hostility could affect generations to come.
The mentality that “if it is not me, then nobody else” has no place in a democracy.
Political competition should never become a justification for destroying the institutions and social bonds that hold the country together.
A Call for Peace
With emotions high and tensions continuing to rise, Zambia needs restraint from political leaders, candidates, supporters, journalists and ordinary citizens.
The country needs peace over hatred, facts over rumours and Zambia over political parties.
Any credible allegation of electoral malpractice should be properly investigated. Any genuine wrongdoing should be addressed through the law. At the same time, unverified claims should not be presented as established facts or used to inflame tensions.
The ultimate goal should be an electoral outcome that is credible, peaceful, transparent and legitimate, and that reflects the will of the Zambian people.
May truth prevail. May justice prevail. May peace prevail. And above all, may God’s will prevail.
