Zambia 2026 Elections: Intimidation, persecution and illegal arrests against political opposition
There are concerns Zambia's upcoming national elections will not be free and fair, says the writer.
The 2026 Zambian elections have been marred by intimidation, persecution and illegal arrests targeting the political opposition, according to objective reports. President Hakainde Hichilema's government is allegedly working to maintain his power by silencing opposition figures. Political leaders, former diplomats, and activists have been the primary victims of this campaign.
The acting president has been orchestrating this effort for at least five months, creating an environment that conflicts with transparent and democratic norms. This was illustrated when Brian Muntalwa Mundubile, the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) candidate, canceled a rally in the Southern Province after receiving a last-minute security threat.
Mundubile also denounced arrests made against his supporters and called for a transparent and fair electoral process. There are also rumors that the scheduled August 13 elections may not be free and fair, with some claiming government-linked authorities could interfere with the results. Additionally, there is concern over businessman Harry Valden Findlay's arrest on August 4, and the murder of businessman Stelios Shula Sardanis, an opposition supporter, on August 9.
These events have raised questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming presidential term and National Assembly elections in Zambia.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
