Upcoming Zambian elections under SADC scrutiny

SADC is to send its Electoral Advisory Council to Zambia to examine concerns raised about the credibility of the upcoming general elections. The Lusaka Times reports that, in a complaint to SADC, Patriotic Front (PF) information and publicity chairperson Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba detailed a series of concerns related to the political environment, electoral preparations and governance relating to the 2026 elections. In a letter to Mwamba, the SADC secretariat said the matters raised fall within the mandate of the council, a technical body responsible for advising the regional bloc on electoral processes, governance and adherence to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. The secretariat indicated that SEAC is already preparing a mission to Zambia under Article 7.3 of the revised guidelines. Mwamba’s complaint outlined several allegations, including claims that President Hakainde Hichilema is influencing political and judicial processes, that restrictive laws have reduced citizens’ freedom of expression, and that proposed constitutional amendments could affect the credibility of the 2026 vote. The PF official also accused the administration of actions that, in his view, undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Full Lusaka Times report