Nigeria, June 8 -- Zambia is one of the few African countries to have experienced peaceful transfers of power between multiple political parties. But its sound democratic record - particularly the Electoral Commission of Zambia's (ECZ) technical capacity - will be tested during the upcoming general elections on 13 August.

According to the 2025 Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index, Zambia ranks among Africa's top 10 democracies but remains a 'hybrid regime' because of its persistent governance constraints. The credibility of the 2026 polls will depend less on whether democratic institutions are in place and more on their performance in a charged political climate.

The ECZ has registered a record 26 presidential candidates (14 of w...