Zambia’s judiciary prepares to resolve election disputes ahead of 13 August vote
The Judiciary of Zambia has begun its final electoral dispute resolution training ahead of the country’s general election on 13 August 2026.
With support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Chandler Institute for Justice, the programme is taking place from 2 to 8 August and brings together judges, magistrates, research advocates, assistant registrars, clerks of court and legal practitioners. It is designed to help ensure that any election disputes are resolved fairly, independently and within the timelines set by the Constitution.
Participants are receiving practical training on electoral law, evidentiary standards, judgment writing and the application of new election petition rules.
The training concludes a wider institutional preparedness programme led by the Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee on Election Management.
Opening the training, Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila, SC, reaffirmed the judiciary’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral period.
He said: “Our courts remain open to every citizen. Should there be disputes, every litigant will receive a fair hearing. Every matter will be decided according to the Constitution and the law. That is our duty. That is our commitment.”
The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, the Honourable Lady Justice Maria Kawimbe, said the training programme had prepared judges, magistrates, research advocates and court staff across the country to manage election petitions effectively.
She added that the Committee had achieved approximately 95 per cent of the targets set out in its Strategic Plan, improving Zambia’s capacity to manage electoral disputes.
Speaking at the opening, Dr Elizabeth Macharia, acting Head of the Rule of Law Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: “Democracy does not end when the votes are counted. People must also have confidence that, when disputes arise, they will be heard by independent courts and resolved fairly, impartially and according to the law.
“That is why we are proud to support Zambia’s Judiciary as it prepares for the election. This early investment in people, systems and judicial readiness helps protect public trust and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral process.”
The training is expected to further prepare Zambia’s judiciary to manage election-related cases professionally, independently and without unnecessary delay during and after the 2026 general election.
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