CSO Alliance Urges Voters to Hold Politicians Accountable, Backs ECZ’s ‘Count Me In’ Campaign Ahead of August Elections.
“We are Funded by the People.” Says civil society Alliance.
By Gibson Zulu,
The newly launched Civil Society Organisations Alliance on Legal Reforms (CSALR) has urged Zambians to hold politicians accountable for fulfilling their campaign promises ahead of the August elections, while pledging to support the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) “Count Me In” campaign and advocating for deeper legal and constitutional reforms to strengthen democratic governance.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Alliance Chairperson Dr. Caroline katotobwe, told Zambia Reports that the organisation was founded in 2025 after its founders identified shortcomings in the manner some civil society organisations engage with public policy issues.
“The alliance was established to fill the gaps within civil society organisations, Dr. Caroline Katotobwe said.
She said the alliance was created to promote meaningful legal reforms by ensuring that all sections of society are represented in national discussions.
“There is need to carry all members of society to ensure equal representation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Alliance Vice Chairperson David Mvula, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mwanga Kalima Sakala, reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to supporting the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) “Count Me In” campaign by promoting civic education, encouraging voter registration, and raising awareness about the importance of active participation in democratic processes.
He urged eligible citizens to register and vote, saying democracy is strengthened when citizens participate meaningfully and hold political leaders accountable for their promises.
He added that CSALR will champion a people-driven, citizen-centred, and inclusive legal review process by working collaboratively with government institutions, cooperating partners, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens.
And according to Dr. Katotobwe, the alliance aims to promote accountability, transparency, justice, and respect for the rule of law while fostering meaningful citizen participation in governance and legal reform processes.
Dr. Katotobwe explained that the alliance comprises members drawn from various organisations, including church bodies and advocacy groups, with a shared objective of strengthening legal and governance reforms.
Dr. Katotobwe explained that the alliance comprises members drawn from various organisations, including church bodies and advocacy groups, with a shared objective of strengthening legal and governance reforms.
Addressing questions on the alliance’s funding, Dr. Katotobwe said she was not in position spotlight specific financiers, stating only that the organisation is “funded by the people.”
“We are funded by the people,” she said.
She, however, clarified that member organisations contribute different resources to support the operations of the alliance.
“Each member brings different resources to ensure the smooth running of the alliance,” she added.
On legal reforms, Dr. Katotobwe said the alliance had already identified constitutional and legal gaps that require urgent attention to improve governance and public service delivery.
“There are lacunas within the Constitution and other laws that need to be addressed to ensure smooth and effective government service delivery. This is one of the key agendas of the alliance,” she said.
Asked to assess the manner in which Parliament has been managed, Dr. Katotobwe defended the Speaker, saying presiding over the House was a difficult responsibility.
“The Speaker has done a good job. It is not easy,” she said.
She alleged that opposition Members of Parliament had on several occasions introduced debates that were unsubstantiated and of limited public benefit, adding that some conduct in the House had not always been consistent with parliamentary rules.
Dr. Katotobwe also praised the UPND government’s governance approach, describing it as structured and measurable.
“I love this government because they are serious and methodical. They set tasks and targets that are easy for stakeholders to measure for development,” she said.
She cited the government’s agricultural reforms, including support for irrigation farming and its target of producing 10 million metric tonnes in the sector, as examples of measurable development planning.
Dr. Katotobwe further commended the government for introducing free education, school feeding programmes, and the Cash for Work initiative, describing them as practical interventions that citizens could appreciate.
“These are practical benchmarks that citizens should look up to,” she said, while urging voters to avoid being swayed by vague political promises.
Meanwhile, alliance member Teddy Sinkala, who is Chief executive officer at the Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation, called for commitment from members to ensure the organisation remains active and relevant.
I hope we continue the good work and ensure this alliance serves the best interests of the public,” he said.
Other Alliance members include; Rev Dr. Ageness Kaposa pushi, who is vice president for BCZ. Bishop Martin Silwimba, the president for Bishops Council of Zambia and Ian Banda, director at Youth in Action for Disability Inclusion Zambia ( YADIZ).
Zambia Reports was unable to independently verify the alliance’s funding sources or assess its independence at the time of publication.