By Mubanga Mubanga
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) executive director Maurice Nyambe says President Hakainde Hichilema should not use public resources to do campaign rallies or voter mobilisation.
In the third elections updatefor the 2026 general elections, Nyambe stated the use of public resources during the transitory elections period by the President should be strictly for carrying out state duties.
“While the President continues to exercise his executive powers vested in him by virtue of Article 91 of the constitution even during elections until the president-elect is sworn in, it is TI-Z’s view that the use of public resources during this period should be strictly for carrying out state duties as opposed to partisan campaign rallies or voter mobilisation. While TI-Z appreciates the constitutional responsibilities attached to the Office of the President, this development raises important governance considerations,” Nyambe stated.
“One of the fundamental principles underpinning democratic elections is the existence of a level playing field where all candidates are afforded equal opportunity to campaign. Arrangements that distinguish one candidate from others, even though legally justifiable, should be implemented with the highest levels of transparency to avoid creating perceptions of unequal treatment or unfair electoral advantage.”
Nyambe stated that the distinction between official functions and campaign must remain clear throughout the election period.
“The distinction between official government functions and campaign activities must therefore remain clear throughout the election period. Citizens must have confidence that public resources, government programmes, official travel, and State institutions are not being used, or perceived to be used, to support any candidate’s electoral campaign,” Nyambe Stated.
“TI-Z therefore encourages the ECZ and all relevant public institutions to continue communicating clearly with the public about how these arrangements will be managed to safeguard public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.”
Meanwhile, Nyambe bemoaned the incidents of violence during this year’s elections campaigns. He stated that the violence if left unchecked could undermine peaceful elections
“Notable examples of these incidents of political violence included the destruction of campaign billboards belonging to independent parliamentary and mayoral candidates in Solwezi district, the vandalism of two campaign vehicles belonging to independent candidates in the same district, the destruction of UPND campaign posters in both Kalumbila and Luanshya districts, and the disruption of a UPND campaign activity in Kitwe district,” Stated Nyambe.
“Furthermore, incidents of political intimidation and restrictions included the threatening of a UPND Ward Coordinator in Kabwe Central, the detention of an aspiring candidate in Isoka constituency, and the issuing of derogatory and demeaning remarks by suspected UPND members at an independent candidate in Mwandi Constituency.”
