Muslims call for peaceful 2026 polls
By Ludia Ngwadzai
AS ZAMBIA prepares for the 2026 general elections, the Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia (ISCZ) has urged Muslim youths to play an active role in the electoral process.
Speaking in an interview Monday, Sheikh Musa Zemba, interim secretary general of the ISCZ, said a peaceful environment was important before and during the elections.
He said peace and unity were important to foster national development.
“We are working closely with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to educate the Muslim community on the importance of voting and participating in the electoral process of our country,” he said.
Sheikh Zemba urged Muslim youths to participate in the electoral process of the nation, saying they have an equal role to play in the forthcoming elections, just like other Zambian youths.
“We are committed to ensuring that our communities are well-informed and equipped to make informed decisions at the polls,” he said.
Sheikh Zemba said the ISCZ was a key stakeholder in the electoral process and was actively involved in voter education and monitoring through the National Voter Education Committee.
He, however, said the council faced many challenges reaching out to Muslim communities in every district and province because of a lack of logistics.
Despite facing mobility challenges, the ECZ had continued supporting the voter education activity through various platforms.
Sheikh Zemba’s call for peaceful elections comes at a time when Zambia is gearing up for a crucial electoral exercise.
ISCZ is an active member of the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO), which brings together various faith-based organisations, including the three Church mother bodies, the Baha’i Faith and the Hindu Association in Zambia.
Sheikh Zemba said ZINGO served as a platform for interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
He commended the commission for its continued emphasis on the importance of voter education in ensuring that citizens participate meaningfully in the electoral process.
“As Zambia prepares to head to the polls, the ISCZ’s efforts to educate and mobilise Muslim youths are crucial in promoting democratic principles and ensuring a peaceful electoral process,” Sheikh Zemba said .
