NDI says Zambia’s electoral reforms have come late ahead of upcoming polls

By Samuel Mbewe

A pre-election assessment by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has found that while Zambia has made notable strides in addressing past electoral challenges, key reforms have come late—potentially limiting their full impact ahead of upcoming elections.

According to the report, Zambia has undertaken constitutional, legislative, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening its electoral framework. However, the process only gained momentum in late 2025, leaving limited time for stakeholders to fully evaluate and implement the proposed changes.

The assessment also captures concerns raised by citizens across the country, particularly around shrinking political space. Many respondents pointed to a lack of tolerance for differing political views and questioned whether all political parties and candidates are able to participate freely and fairly in the electoral process.

Presenting the findings, Head of Delegation Mohammed Chambas emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms. He recommended that all political parties be allowed to hold rallies and public gatherings without restriction, ensuring a level playing field during campaigns.

Mr. Chambas added that the report outlines technical recommendations grounded in international best practices. These are intended to strengthen proposed amendments to the Electoral Process Act currently under review by Zambia’s National Assembly.

Meanwhile, NDI delegation commissioner Lilian Mahiri-Zaja stressed the importance of balancing freedom of expression with responsible conduct. She called for political parties to freely hold rallies, with police providing security to maintain order, and urged voters to express their views without resorting to hate speech.

Ms. Mahiri-Zaja also underscored the need for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to uphold independence and impartiality. She noted that public confidence in the electoral process depends heavily on the credibility and neutrality of election administrators.

The NDI report ultimately highlights both progress and persistent challenges, pointing to the need for continued reforms and inclusive dialogue to ensure credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in Zambia.