Zambia's Electoral Chaos: ECZ Halts Mazabuka Campaigns Amidst Public Order Concerns
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has indefinitely suspended all political campaign activities in Mazabuka, Southern Province, citing an unstable security situation and recent electoral friction. This decision, following an incident involving police dispersal of a candidate's launch, has garnered support from SACCORD for promoting sanity, while some political parties express concern over its impact on their campaigns.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced the indefinite suspension of all political campaign activities in Mazabuka, Southern Province. This decisive action, communicated by ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro on June 8, 2026, stems from a deteriorating security situation and recent instances of electoral friction reported within the region.
The ban was prompted by a specific incident where the Zambia Police Service utilized teargas to disperse supporters and block Independent Parliamentary Candidate Gary Nkombo from launching his campaign at Ndeke grounds. Following this, the ECZ declared that its decision is in direct support of the Southern Province Police Command’s directive to halt public gatherings, aiming to preserve public order and safety. The suspension will remain in effect indefinitely, with the ECZ committed to providing further guidance on the resumption of campaigns only once the security situation has demonstrably improved. During this period, all forms of public rallies, meetings, processions, and even door-to-door campaigns are strictly prohibited.
The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has publicly endorsed the ECZ’s decision, with Executive Director Arthur Muyunda stating that such a move is essential to restore sanity to the area. Muyunda emphasized that campaigns marred by violence pose a significant threat to Zambia’s democratic processes and urged all political parties to respect the commission’s directive and refrain from any violent conduct going forward.
Conversely, the suspension has met with concerns from other political entities. The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, through its Deputy Secretary General Brenda Nyirenda, expressed worries about the negative impact on their campaign schedule, particularly given the already limited days for campaigning. Nyirenda suggested that the ECZ should have considered expelling political parties directly involved in the violence, rather than implementing a blanket ban that affects all parties. Similarly, UPND Deputy Secretary General Getrude Imenda acknowledged that the suspension of campaigns in Mazabuka Central will significantly alter and affect her party’s campaign strategy.