Audit contested 2026 election’

By BARNABAS ZULU THE Council of Elders has demanded an independent audit of the contested August 13, 2026 general elections, calling for legal reviews and a national reconciliation process to address concerns raised over the poll. Mbita Chitala, the Council of Elders of Zambia Member of the Steering Committee said its statement was not intended to prejudge any individual, political party or institution, but to establish a factual framework for national dialogue, accountability and reform. “The purpose is not to prejudge any individual, political party or institution,” Dr Chitala said. “Rather, the purpose is to establish a factual framework within which the patriots of our country can promote national dialogue, truth and accountability, restoration of public confidence, protection of constitutional rights, peaceful resolution of political disputes, institutional reform and national reconciliation.” Representing the Council, Dr Chitala said it distinguished between established or independently documented facts, allegations by opposition parties and other actors, government explanations or denials, and matters requiring independent investigation or judicial determination. The statement also welcomed a pastoral letter by Bishop Lungu of the Chipata Diocese, who called for reconciliation among political actors to sustain peaceful development in the country. The signatories described themselves as adult citizens, registered voters and co-founders of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy, which helped end one-party rule in 1990. They said they voted in the August 13, 2026 general elections at State Lodge Primary School Polling Station. Dr Chitala said the 2026 election raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. It listed 12 issues requiring examination, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s six-hour suspension of counting and announcements, the removal of observers from some centres, alleged stolen ballot papers in Mandevu, and tear gas fired at some counting centres, including Kabwe. He cited an independent assessment by the Christian Churches Monitoring Group, dated August 20, 2026, which it said found anomalies that compromised the integrity of the vote. Dr Chitala said the Council said it believes an independent audit or court investigation of all 13, 529 polling stations could show a variance of more than 800, 000 votes cast for President Hichilema.

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PRAYER, FASTING CAN BRING HEALING –