13/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lusaka, Zambia – 13 August 2026
ZAFOD Statement on the Set-Up, Opening, and Accessibility of Polling
Stations for the 2026 General Elections.
I. Summary
This morning, ZAFOD deployed 79 stationary observers and 17 supervisors/mobile monitors
across 31 districts and all 10 provinces to collect systematic data on both the accessibility and
overall credibility of Zambia’s 2026 electoral process. Of these monitors, 73 were people
with disabilities, with the remaining monitors drawn from the broader disabilities community.
Upon the commencement of voting, observers submitted reports to the ZAFOD data centre
detailing their assessment of the physical accessibility of the polling station, availability of
accessible materials and reasonable accommodations, and the overall set up and start of
voting. Based on reports as of 16:00, ZAFOD found that voting generally commenced in a
timely manner across the polling stations observed, and polling stations had the standard
materials necessary for voting. Nevertheless, ZAFOD observers identified critical
accessibility challenges across polling stations as detailed below.
II. Select Observation Findings
Opening of Polling Stations
By 7h00, 77 of 79 polling stations observed were open to voters. The remaining two polling
stations opened between 7h00 and 9h00, one of which opened late as ballot papers arrived at
the station late. All 79 stationary observers were duly accredited by the ECZ prior to the
election and were ultimately permitted to observe at their assigned polling stations. However,
one observer in Kabompo District, North-Western Province, was initially turned away after a
Presiding Officer requested a certificate of authority in addition to the ECZ accreditation
card. Following intervention by the ZAFOD Data Centre and clarification from the Returning
Officer, the observer was permitted to observe.
Set-Up of Polling Stations
ZAFOD observers generally reported that essential voting materials were available at all
polling stations observed. ZAFOD did not observe any persons with disabilities serving as
polling officials at 59 polling stations. Regarding accessibility materials, Braille jackets were
available at 55 observed polling stations. However, there were significant information gaps
for voters with disabilities. Procedures for persons with disabilities were only posted at 36
polling stations observed, and Election Day instructions and procedures in sign language
were not available in 59 polling stations.
Presence of Party Agents and Observers/Monitors
Party agents were present at most of the observed polling stations. NRPUP agents were
present at 62 polling stations, and UPND agents were present at 75 polling stations. Agents
from other parties were also present at 62 polling stations. Women were featured prominently
as party agents, with at least one woman serving as a polling agent in all 79 polling stations
observed. Observers or monitors from other civil society organisations and faith-based
organisations were present at 60 polling stations, with at least one woman monitor at 44
polling stations.
Representation of persons with disabilities as party agents or independent
monitors, however, was very low, with 54 polling stations with no persons with disabilities
serving as party agents or observers.
Polling Station Accessibility
Most of the polling stations observed were located in schools (66), specifically in classrooms
(65). ZAFOD observers reported that 18 locations were difficult for persons with disabilities
to access. Physical barriers limiting polling station accessibility included steps (reported by
46 observers), stairs (5), lack of ramps (51), lack of handrails (75), sand (6), corridors (7), and
other or multiple barriers (17). Additionally, where accessible infrastructure like ramps did
exist, they were often blocked by the queue itself, limiting usability for those that need such
accommodations to access the polling station independently.
Inside the building, 44 observers reported that voters had to climb steps or stairs to access the
polling station itself. To enter the polling station, observers reported corridors (13), stairs
(13), moveable objects (2), or multiple barriers (15) as hindering access for persons with
disabilities. Most polling stations, however, were laid out in such a way that persons with
disabilities could easily participate in voting (66).
III. Critical Incidents
ZAFOD recorded three (3) critical incidents as of 16:00 on 13 August.
● At Kavungu Primary School in Kabompo District, North-Western Province, a
ZAFOD observer with disability was temporarily removed from the observed polling
station after a Presiding Officer requested that, in addition to the ECZ accreditation
card, the observer present a certificate of authority before being allowed to observe
Election Day proceedings. The matter was resolved following clarification by the
Returning Officer, who confirmed that the ECZ accreditation card was sufficient
authorization for the observer to continue carrying out his observation duties.
● At Chiyombela Primary School in Kasama District, Northern Province, a ZAFOD
observer with a disability reported that, despite the presiding officer announcing the
polling station officially opened at 06:00, voting did not commence because the ECZ
had not yet delivered the ballot papers to the polling station. The ECZ vehicle only
delivered the ballot papers shortly before 9:00 at which time voting commenced.
● At Mutima Secondary School in Mambilima District, Luapula Province, voting was
temporarily disrupted for 20 minutes by a drunk individual. Polling station officials
were able to remove the individual from the polling station and resolve the disruption.
IV. Conclusion
Overall, ZAFOD’s observations indicate that voting generally commenced in accordance with ECZ procedures and in an orderly and peaceful manner across the polling stations
observed, with essential voting materials largely available and observers able to carry out
their duties. There were only isolated critical incidents recorded, and all incidents were
swiftly resolved.
However, ZAFOD remains concerned about the significant accessibility barriers observed
across polling stations. Physical barriers, including steps and stairs, inadequate ramps and
handrails, and other obstacles continued to limit independent polling station access for
persons with disabilities. Gaps in accessible election information, particularly the limited
availability of information in sign language and information specifically targeted at persons
with disabilities, were also evident. The very low representation of persons with disabilities
among polling officials, party agents and observers, while higher than observed by ZAFOD
in the 2021 elections,1
further demonstrates the need to strengthen disability inclusion across
electoral roles.
Bearing in mind the legal obligations under the Sela Brotherton vs ECZ ruling, ZAFOD
therefore calls on the ECZ and other electoral stakeholders to continue taking practical
measures to address accessibility barriers throughout the remainder of the electoral process
and to strengthen the meaningful participation and representation of persons with disabilities
in all aspects of elections. As a reminder, ZAFOD will release a final statement tomorrow 14
August at 15:00 at Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel on the findings and conclusions of its
election day observation.
//ENDS//
Issued by:
Justine Bbakali
Federal Director
Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD)
