Police Service Deploys Additional Officers Nationwide Ahead of August 13 Polls

By Pauline Ngozoh

With two days to the August 11, 2026 General Elections, the Zambia Police Service has finalized and implemented its 2026 Electoral Security Plan to safeguard peace before, during, and after polling day. Inspector General of Police Graphel C. Musamba has stated that additional officers have been deployed across the country to increase police visibility, improve response times, and reassure communities. The deployment plan includes officers strategically stationed at polling stations and totaling centers, with enhanced mobile patrols, crime detection operations, and rapid response teams in all provinces.

The Police Service noted that the official campaign period, which began on May 22, 2026, has been generally peaceful, with campaign schedules issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia helping to coordinate security and prevent clashes from competing programs. While a few isolated incidents relating to campaign venues and political violence were recorded in some areas, overall stability was maintained. The Service has also maintained continuous engagement with political parties, civil society organizations, cooperating partners, and regional, continental, and international observer missions. Coordination with the Electoral Commission of Zambia has focused on safeguarding electoral materials, polling stations, election officials, and the integrity of the electoral process.

Ahead of voting, the Inspector General has urged citizens to return to their homes or continue with lawful activities after casting ballots and to avoid loitering at polling stations unless accredited by ECZ. The public was also advised to obtain election results only from official and authorized sources and to avoid spreading unverified information, rumors, and speculative announcements on social media. Users of digital platforms were warned against hate speech, incitement, misinformation, and messages intended to cause panic, with an assurance that those who use social media to commit criminal offenses will be arrested and prosecuted.

Political leaders, candidates, and supporters have been called upon to exercise tolerance, restraint, and mutual respect, with disputes to be resolved through lawful institutions such as Electoral Conflict Management Committees and the courts rather than violence. The Police Service emphasized that constitutional rights to assembly and expression must be exercised responsibly and within the law, and that unlawful assemblies, road blockages, destruction of property, or attacks on individuals will attract immediate police intervention. Law enforcement officers were directed to discharge duties with professionalism, neutrality, and impartiality, and to enforce the law without fear or favor regardless of political affiliation, as the Service remains fully prepared to secure the election.