By MONICA KAYOMBO,Zambia, Lusaka,
THE Commonwealth has expressed concern over the post-election situation in Zambia, calling for respect for human rights, the rule of law and due process amid growing political tensions following the August 13, 2026 General Election.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 21, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey urged an end to arbitrary arrests and called for the release of people detained for political reasons.
“The Commonwealth expresses concern at the post-election situation in Zambia and urges full respect for the rights of all persons and for the rule of law,” the statement said.
The Commonwealth also expressed dismay over a security operation in Lusaka in which a police officer was injured and former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya lost his life. Botchwey conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and called for a transparent investigation into the incident.
The organisation further appealed to all political actors to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to de-escalate tensions and protect peace, stability and Zambia’s democratic institutions.
Background to the election
Zambia went to the polls on August 13 to elect the President, Members of Parliament and local government representatives. The election followed a highly competitive campaign, with economic conditions, the cost of living, governance and the direction of the country among the major issues debated by political parties.
President Hakainde Hichilema, seeking a second term, faced several opposition candidates, with Brian Mundubile emerging as his principal challenger.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia eventually declared Hichilema the winner with about 60 percent of the vote, while Mundubile obtained about 38 percent. Mundubile has rejected the outcome and announced plans to challenge the result in court, alleging serious irregularities in the electoral process.
The post-election period has, however, been marked by heightened tensions. Vote counting was temporarily suspended after reports of violence against electoral officials and the theft of ballot papers. The opposition subsequently raised concerns about the integrity of the results, while the government rejected allegations of wrongdoing.
The situation became more tense following a security operation on election night that resulted in the arrest of several opposition figures. Authorities said the operation was linked to threats to state security, while opposition actors disputed the allegations. The incident has since attracted concern from international and human-rights actors.
The Commonwealth had deployed a 14-member Observer Group, led by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, to observe the elections. The group had monitored the pre-election environment, voting, counting and results-management processes.
While the Commonwealth Observer Group commended Zambians for the generally peaceful conduct of voting, its interim findings also raised concerns including the secrecy of the ballot and the shutdown of social media applications on election day.
The latest statement from Secretary-General Botchwey therefore places renewed emphasis on dialogue, restraint, respect for the rule of law and the use of established legal channels to resolve electoral disputes.
With the opposition preparing to challenge the election results, the Commonwealth’s message comes at a critical moment for Zambia that political disagreements should be managed through democratic and constitutional means, while the country protects the peace and stability for which it has long been recognised in the region.
