Consult before imposing campaign timetable, LAZ urges ECZ
By Thandizo Banda
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consult all political parties and stakeholders before finalising and imposing the 2026 presidential campaign timetable.
LAZ president Arnold Kaluba said in a statement issued on Saturday that unilateral decisions on campaign schedules risked undermining public confidence in the electoral process and could violate constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly and association.
“Any timetable that regulates political campaigns must be developed through meaningful consultation with all affected parties. The Constitution under Article 21 guarantees freedom of assembly and political participation, and these rights must be respected in both letter and spirit,” Kaluba said.
Last week, ECZ chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro announced that the Commission would release a structured campaign timetable to manage rallies and public gatherings ahead of the August 13 general elections.
Kasaro said the move was aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring fairness among candidates.
But LAZ argued that while regulation was necessary, it must not appear arbitrary or partisan.
Kaluba warned that failing to consult political players could trigger legal challenges and deepen mistrust in the Commission.
“The Commission’s mandate is to manage elections, not to dictate the manner in which political parties engage with voters. Consultation will enhance transparency and ensure that the timetable is reasonable, proportionate, and constitutionally compliant,” Kaluba said.
He called on ECZ to engage the church, civil society, and other electoral stakeholders before implementing any restrictions on campaign activities.
Kaluba said the association would monitor the process and offer legal guidance to ensure the 2026 elections are free, fair, and credible.
