Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has raised concern over reports of alleged financial inducements aimed at persuading aspiring candidates to withdraw from electoral contests ahead of the August 2026 General Elections.
In its first election monitoring update under the
“Kuteteza Masankho” elections project, TI-Z has said it had received reports from different parts of the country alleging that officials and supporters linked to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) had approached some aspiring candidates with financial offers to abandon their campaigns and support ruling party candidates.
The anti-corruption watchdog revealed that one aspiring candidate reportedly turned down an offer of K800,000 that was allegedly intended to influence their withdrawal from the race.
TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe has said such allegations, if proven, pose a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process because elections should be determined by the free choices of candidates and voters rather than financial incentives.
Mr. Nyambe noted that the situation appears unique to the 2026 elections following constitutional amendments that removed the requirement for fresh nominations when a validly nominated candidate resigns or is disqualified by a court of law.
He warns that the change could create opportunities for candidates to be induced or intimidated into withdrawing, thereby limiting electoral competition and denying voters meaningful choices.
TI-Z has since called on investigative agencies to thoroughly examine the allegations and urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to closely monitor the developments and apply sanctions provided under the Electoral Process Act where evidence of electoral corruption is established.
The organisation has also expressed concern over reports of vandalism targeting campaign materials belonging to independent candidates in Solwezi District.
According to TI-Z, campaign billboards belonging to independent parliamentary and mayoral candidates have been damaged by unknown individuals. One affected candidate, aspiring Solwezi Central Member of Parliament Poho Kawina, reportedly lost two campaign billboards valued at K24,600 after they were destroyed and removed.
TI-Z notes that the Zambia Police Service has launched investigations into the matter and reiterated that all candidates have a constitutional right to campaign freely and display campaign materials through lawful means.
The organisation condemned the destruction of campaign materials, describing it as an attack on the principle of a level playing field and a practice that imposes unnecessary financial burdens on candidates while limiting their ability to communicate with voters.
Meanwhile, TI-Z has observed what it describes as a relatively quiet start to the 2026 election campaign period compared to the 2021 elections.
The organisation said concerns have been raised by members of the public and through media platforms about the apparent lack of active engagement between political parties and voters, as well as the failure by most parties to publicly release their manifestos.
Mr. Nyambe warned that continued low levels of campaign activity could contribute to voter apathy, making it difficult for citizens to make informed decisions and potentially discouraging participation in the elections.
He has called on political parties to publicly share their revised manifestos for the 2026 to 2031 period and intensify campaign activities to ensure voters receive adequate information on policies and programmes.
TI-Z further urged all political parties, candidates and supporters to reject political intolerance, intimidation, violence and electoral corruption, stressing that the credibility of Zambia’s elections depends not only on polling day activities but also on the conduct of political actors throughout the campaign period.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
