Lusaka lawyer Mehluli Malisa Batakati has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the Zambia Police Service to take decisive action against the reported cases of political violence ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election.
Mr. Batakati described the reports as deeply concerning and said they must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
Speaking in an interview with Diamond News, he cited Article 83 of the Electoral Process Act, which criminalises electoral violence, and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
His remarks come in the wake of two reported incidents of political violence. On August 3, Independent Mwembeshi East parliamentary candidate Ibrahim Kabwe Mwamba allegedly survived an attack by suspected UPND supporters during a campaign rally in Nampeya Ward, Shibuyunji District.
Several of his supporters were also injured.
On August 4, members of the NRPUP and UPND reportedly clashed in Western Province, throwing stones at each other.
Meanwhile, UPND Media Director Mark Simuwe has urged anyone affected by political violence to report the incidents to the police.
Zambia goes to the polls on August 13, with more than 13 presidential candidates vying for the country’s highest office.
By Darius Choonya
