By Brian Matambo | Sandton, South Africa | 19 October 2025
Zambia’s political climate is once again under strain as confidence in the country’s Electoral Commission (ECZ) falters ahead of the 2026 general elections. Across civic and opposition circles, questions are mounting about whether the institution still commands the neutrality required to protect the vote.
The Movement for National Renewal (MNR), a civic-political organisation grounded in constitutional reform, has accused the Commission of presiding over a flawed voter-registration process that threatens the credibility of the upcoming polls. In its statement released on Sunday, the group said the current exercise was “a national embarrassment” marked by irregular procurement, malfunctioning biometric kits, and centres that have failed to open on schedule.
MNR added that restrictions on election monitors and the absence of broad voter education have left thousands of citizens disenfranchised. “The Commission has lost control of the most critical phase of the electoral process,” the statement read, warning that these failures could “erode the legitimacy of the 2026 register before the first ballot is cast.”
PERCEPTIONS OF PARTISAN CAPTURE
The concerns extend beyond logistics. Public trust in ECZ leadership has been shaken by recurring claims of political bias. In 2022, News Diggers published an article under the headline “Chipenzi, Zaloumis are UPND, ECZ will never hold credible polls – PF”, quoting Patriotic Front officials who questioned the impartiality of ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis.
More recently, Mast Media Zambia described Mrs Zaloumis as “a well-known documented supporter, activist and therefore loyal member of the UPND.” Neither Mrs Zaloumis nor the ECZ has issued a public response. On its website, the Commission continues to list her as a constitutional lawyer with long experience in electoral administration.
These allegations remain unproven, further amplifying doubts about the independence of the body charged with safeguarding Zambia’s democracy. Analysts warn that the perception of partisanship – whether justified or not – can be as corrosive as bias itself.
MNR’S DEMANDS
MNR has urged the ECZ to take urgent corrective action. Its statement called for the Commission to extend the voter-registration period, deploy more functional equipment and trained staff, lift restrictions on monitors, and publish a complete list of registration centres by district and constituency.
The movement also demanded expanded voter-education campaigns and immediate financial support from Government to enable the ECZ to operate effectively and independently. “These are not requests but democratic necessities,” MNR declared. “Without them, the credibility of the 2026 elections cannot be guaranteed.”
CALL FOR DIALOGUE
The deepening mistrust has renewed calls for dialogue between the Government, the ECZ, political parties, and civil-society groups. Advocates of reform say transparent conversation is now essential to restore public confidence and prevent the elections from descending into contestation.
“If the Government resists dialogue, it will confirm fears that the process is being manipulated rather than strengthened,” said one Lusaka-based political observer. “The credibility of the next election will define Zambia’s democratic standing for years to come.”
A TEST OF DEMOCRATIC RESILIENCE
Zambia’s reputation as a beacon of peaceful political transition in Africa is on the line. The voter-registration controversy has exposed fragile institutions and an alarming deficit of trust between citizens and the electoral authority that serves them.
Whether the ECZ can rebuild that trust before 2026 will determine not just the outcome of one election but the durability of Zambia’s democracy itself.
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