The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has warned political parties against deploying hostile cadres into Chawama Constituency and Kasama District in an attempt to destabilise campaigns ahead of the upcoming by-elections. The Commission has cautioned that any form of violence or breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct may result in the suspension of political parties from campaign activities.
In a media statement issued yesterday, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the ECZ is aware of schemes by some political players to incite disorder in areas that have so far experienced peaceful campaigns. He emphasized that the Zambia Police Service, as a key electoral partner, remains actively deployed on the ground, while the Commission continues to closely monitor the electoral environment before, during, and after the polls to ensure law and order is maintained.
Mr. Kasaro urged all political parties, candidates, and supporters participating in the Chawama Parliamentary by-election scheduled for January 15, 2026, and the Kasama Mayoral by-election set for January 29, 2026, to conduct themselves peacefully and strictly adhere to approved campaign timetables. He noted that campaigns in both areas have largely remained peaceful so far, attributing this to compliance with electoral guidelines, but warned that the ECZ will not hesitate to act against any violations that threaten the integrity of the electoral process.
