ZAFOD Pushes for Fully Accessible Election Accreditation Ahead of August Polls

By Alain Kabinda

With less than a month before Zambia heads to the polls on August 13, 2026, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) is calling on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that the election accreditation process is fully accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities.

The federation says while the ECZ's decision to introduce a hybrid accreditation system marks significant progress, more needs to be done to eliminate barriers that could prevent persons with disabilities from participating meaningfully in election observation and other democratic processes.

In a statement issued to Daily News today by Federal Director Justine Bbakali, ZAFOD welcomed the Commission's decision to allow stakeholders to apply for accreditation either online or physically through District Electoral Offices, describing the move as a positive response to concerns previously raised by disability rights organisations.

                                                          (Mr. Justine Bbakali)

Earlier this year, when the ECZ announced an online-only accreditation process, ZAFOD cautioned that such an approach risked excluding many election observers, particularly those representing organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), who often encounter technological, communication and accessibility challenges.

The federation said the adoption of a hybrid system demonstrates progress towards a more inclusive electoral process but expressed disappointment that the changes were announced late and without sufficient consultation with stakeholders.

"The new approach has the potential to enhance participation and improve access for different categories of electoral stakeholders," Mr. Bbakali noted, adding that earlier communication would have allowed organisations more time to prepare for accreditation.

However, ZAFOD stressed that accessibility goes far beyond providing multiple application channels.

According to the federation, a truly inclusive accreditation process should ensure that physical facilities, communication systems, information materials and support services accommodate persons with different types of disabilities.

He has urged the ECZ to adequately prepare District Electoral Offices to handle physical accreditation through proper staffing, training and resource allocation.

Mr. Bbakali also called for accreditation centres, including the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and district offices, to be fully accessible and capable of providing reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities.

Recognising that information remains one of the biggest barriers to participation, ZAFOD further appealed for accreditation notices and public communication to be made available in accessible formats, including sign language interpretation, audio formats, easy-to-read materials and other alternative communication methods.

The federation also encouraged the ECZ to ensure organisations of persons with disabilities receive adequate information and support to participate as accredited election observers and monitors.

Given the late changes to the accreditation process and the limited time remaining before the elections, ZAFOD proposed that the Commission consider simplifying some administrative requirements.

It suggested that applicants should not be required to submit photographs and National Registration Card (NRC) copies in advance if in-person verification is already part of the accreditation procedure.

Such a measure, the organisation argued, would reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles while maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process.

"Accessibility is not only about removing physical barriers; it is about creating conditions that enable all citizens and stakeholders to participate meaningfully, independently and with dignity in the electoral process," Mr. Bbakali stated.

The organisation also appealed to political parties, civil society organisations, media institutions and development partners to prioritise disability inclusion as a cornerstone of credible, transparent and participatory elections.

As Zambia enters the final stretch before the 2026 General Elections, ZAFOD reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and other stakeholders to ensure persons with disabilities can participate fully, effectively and on an equal basis with others throughout the electoral cycle.

The federation says an inclusive electoral process is essential not only for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities but also for strengthening Zambia's democratic institutions and ensuring every citizen has an equal opportunity to contribute to the country's future.