EU observers flag misuse of state resources in Zambia elections

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has accused Zambia's ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of misusing state resources during the 2026 General Election campaign, saying its observers directly witnessed such practices in eight provinces.

In its preliminary statement, the EU EOM said the campaign was conducted on an unlevel playing field, with significant disparities in resources and advantages associated with incumbency favouring the ruling party.

The mission said President Hakainde Hichilema held large campaign rallies in every province, which were presented as working visits or community engagements.

However, EU observers said they directly witnessed the misuse of state resources at campaign events in Luapula, Southern, Central, North-Western, Muchinga, Northern, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces.

The mission also accused the UPND of using Government platforms for campaign messaging, citing the Civil Service Commission's July 14 announcement of 2,600 health worker positions.

According to the EU EOM, Hichilema subsequently promoted the recruitment of volunteer nurses at 28 rallies and, at 15 of those events, announced that volunteer nurses and teachers present would be employed and instructed officials to record their names.

The observers said they directly witnessed nurses attending rallies and providing their details on three occasions — twice on the Copperbelt and once in Eastern Province.

The mission also raised concerns over promises linked to social welfare programmes.

It said that in 18 campaign speeches, Hichilema promised continuity and expansion of the social cash transfer programme, often alongside the cash-for-work scheme.

In Masaiti and Lufwanyama districts, the President reportedly instructed that eligible residents who were not yet enrolled in the programmes should have their details recorded.

The EU EOM said the August 1 announcement of an immediate increase in University of Zambia student accommodation allowances from K3,900 to K5,850 was another example of the blurring of campaign and state functions.

The mission further raised concerns over alleged voter inducement, which is explicitly prohibited under Zambia's electoral framework.

"Indications of voter inducement were observed in one-third of campaign events monitored across nine provinces, mainly involving UPND, including directly observed cash handouts,” the mission said.

One incident highlighted by the EU observers occurred on August 4 during a rally in Chambishi.

According to the mission, Hichilema ordered ZESCO to connect 16,000 households in the Kwa Kabaso area to the electricity grid, reduce their charges and promised to personally cover the connection fees.

The EU EOM said the incident combined voter inducement with the use of Government power for campaign purposes.

The observations form part of the mission's wider assessment that the election campaign was conducted under conditions that gave the ruling party significant advantages linked to incumbency.

EU EOM Chief Observer Michael McNamara said the electoral process had taken place in an environment that limited fundamental freedoms.

"The electoral process was conducted in an environment that limits fundamental freedoms, with late legal changes, legal uncertainty and unequal campaign conditions hence distorting the playing field,” McNamara said.

The mission's findings are expected to intensify scrutiny of the conduct of the campaign, particularly the distinction between legitimate Government activities and political campaigning by an incumbent president.

The EU observers also raised broader concerns about the electoral environment, including legal changes introduced late in the process and uncertainty surrounding the application of electoral rules.

Meanwhile, Head of the European Parliament Delegation Reinhold Lopatka called on political leaders to ensure that their supporters refrain from violence.

Lopatka also urged political actors to resolve any disputes arising from the electoral process peacefully and through established legal procedures.

The EU EOM's preliminary statement is not a final assessment of the election. A comprehensive final report, including recommendations on the electoral process, is expected after the conclusion of the mission.