The five key electoal misconducts to watch for and report during the electiosns

 

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process. One key way citizens contribute is by promptly reporting electoral misconduct. While the USSD code *214# is mainly used for voter services—like verifying your registration status, checking details on the provisional register, or inspecting voter information during periods such as February to March 2026—reports of serious offences typically go through official channels like district Conflict Management Committees (CMCs), the ECZ directly, or law enforcement (police or Anti-Corruption Commission) for criminal matters

Zambian electoral laws, particularly the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 outline several offences. Commonly highlighted in voter education, observer reports, and the Electoral Code of Conduct are five major types of electoral misconduct that undermine fair elections. These are often the focus when encouraging public vigilance, especially ahead of processes like the 2026 general elections.

Here are the five key electoral misconducts to watch for and report:

1. Bribery / Vote Buying  

   This involves offering, giving, or receiving money, goods, gifts, or favors to influence a voter's choice, registration, or participation (or to refrain from it). It includes inducements during campaigns or on election day.  

 How it affects elections: Bribery distorts the true will of the people, giving unfair advantages to candidates or parties with more resources. It erodes public trust, promotes corruption, and can lead to results that don't reflect genuine support, weakening democracy's foundation.

2. Impersonation  

   Pretending to be someone else to register or vote, or casting votes in another person's name (including attempting multiple votes).  

   How it affects elections: It violates the core principle of "one person, one vote," artificially inflating or manipulating turnout and results. In close contests, even small-scale impersonation can alter outcomes, disenfranchise legitimate voters, and fuel disputes or petitions.

3. Violence or Intimidation

   Using threats, physical attacks, harassment, assault, or force against voters, candidates, party agents, officials, or observers to suppress participation or coerce support. This often involves party cadres clashing or targeting opponents.  

 How it affects elections: Violence creates fear, reduces voter turnout (especially among women, youth, or marginalized groups), polarizes communities, and sometimes leads to injuries, deaths, or suspended campaigns. It damages social cohesion and makes the process less credible, often requiring ECZ interventions like temporary halts

4. Undue Influence / Corrupt Practices

   This covers abuse of public resources for campaigning, exerting improper pressure (e.g., threats of job loss), false statements about candidates, or other inducements that unfairly sway voters. It includes misuse of state power by incumbents.  

How it affects elections: It creates an uneven playing field, favoring those in power or with connections. This reduces accountability, fosters perceptions of state capture, and discourages fair competition, ultimately harming voter confidence and the legitimacy of winners.

5. Hate Speech or Misinformation  Spreading divisive language (e.g., tribal, regional, or gender-based insults), false statements about candidates or the process, or disinformation designed to mislead voters or incite tension.  

  How it affects elections: It heightens divisions, can trigger violence, discourages inclusive participation, and misinforms the electorate. In a diverse nation like Zambia, this undermines social harmony and fair decision-making, leading to polarized results and post-election instability.

These misconducts are criminal or regulatory offences under Zambian law, and timely reporting helps the ECZ, CMCs, and authorities enforce rules, mediate disputes, or prosecute where needed. Citizens are encouraged to document evidence (photos, witnesses, etc.) and report promptly—through writing to local authorities, contacting the ECZ, or escalating criminal acts to police/ACC.

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By staying vigilant and reporting these issues, every Zambian helps protect the credibility of our elections. Clean processes build stronger trust in leaders and institutions, ensuring that votes truly count. As we approach future polls, let's all commit to peaceful, fair participation—democracy thrives when we defend it together! 🇿🇲

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