By Mubanga Mubanga
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) chapter president Priscilla Chansa says TI-Z has begun observing disturbing activities during the pre-election period which includes political violence, intimidation, and misuse of public resources.
Speaking during the launch of ‘Kuteteza Masankho’ Project under TI-Z’s governance and institutional strengthening thematic area in Lusaka yesterday, Chansa said a credible election was built long before the polling day. She added that strong institutions, equal application of the law, and peaceful political competition also contributed to having credible elections.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, through our initial election monitoring activities that have been ongoing, TI-Z has begun observing disturbing developments within the pre-election environment, including incidents of political violence, intimidation, misuse of public resources, and restrictions affecting political participation in some parts of the country. These developments reinforce the importance and urgency of this intervention,” Chansa said. “As TI-Z, we firmly believe that credible elections are built long before polling day. They are built through strong institutions, equal application of the law, informed citizen participation, peaceful political competition, transparent campaign financing, and respect for democratic rights and freedoms.”
Chansa said whilst Zambia recorded a peaceful transition of power in 2021, the country had continued to face significant electoral governance challenges that threatened transparency, fairness, inclusion, and public trust in democratic processes.
She said the challenges that the country was facing included, political violence, opaque campaign financing, misinformation and disinformation concerns
“Concerns surrounding the application of recently enacted laws such as the Cyber Security Act, Cyber Crimes Act, and the soon to be assented Public Gatherings Bill,” Chansa said. “In addition, gaps within Zambia’s political financing framework continue to create vulnerabilities that undermine accountability and fair political competition.”
Chansa said TI-Z had developed a comprehensive 2026 elections strategy aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity and strengthening democratic accountability across the entirety of the electoral cycle.
“The overarching goal of this strategy is to promote a transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral environment that upholds democratic principles and fosters public trust in electoral processes,” said Chansa. “The Kuteteza Masankho Project therefore seeks to achieve several strategic objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance public awareness on electoral corruption and strengthen citizen participation in democratic processes.”
