By Tafwa Chikomeni
To help shape Zambia’s democratic future, the Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) today hosted a multi-stakeholder forum in Choma.
The gathering brought together members of the public, civil society, media professionals, the Zambia Police Service, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), and representatives for persons with disabilities to discuss key electoral challenges.
During the session, participants examined a broad agenda including voter rights, political violence prevention, electoral preparedness, and the impact of disinformation.
Commenting on the ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s democratic processes, FPI founder Joan Chirwa said “such platforms are crucial for fostering necessary dialogue to improve the country’s democratic landscape ahead of the August elections”.
A primary focus of the event was the protection of journalists, with attendees highlighting the prevalence of intimidation and harassment during election periods and reaffirming the necessity of an independent press to uphold democratic accountability.
The forum also identified significant obstacles to political inclusion for persons with disabilities, calling for improved accessibility in both voter education and the voting process.
Through discussions on youth involvement, integrity, and non-violence, attendees concluded that sustained cooperation between the government, political parties, the media, and the electorate is essential to building public confidence in the electoral system.
©️ Zambe Reports | June 11, 2026
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