Lusaka, Zambia – As Zambia prepares for its forthcoming elections in August this year, experiences from recent electoral cycles across Africa offer timely lessons on how democratic processes can either strengthen or undermine human security, human rights and good governance. Elections are both a culmination of democratic engagement and a reflection of the health of political institutions, social trust, and citizen confidence.
The Africa Centre for Innovative Governance (ACIG) underscores that credible elections are measured not only by turnout and winners, but by how inclusive, transparent, rights-respecting and peaceful the entire electoral cycle is – from voter registration to post-election dispute resolution.
Recent African Elections: A Snapshot
In the last three years, several African countries have held significant elections that illustrate a range of democratic experiences, from peaceful transitions to contested outcomes. Some examples include:
- Zimbabwe completed general elections in August 2023, electing the incumbent president and parliament, though international observers noted concerns about fairness and competitiveness.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) conducted general elections in December 2023, combining presidential and legislative polls amid extended voting periods.
- Senegal held presidential elections in March 2024 that resulted in a peaceful transfer of power to an opposition candidate, widely lauded for calm and credible conduct.
- Chad held a presidential election in May 2024, following constitutional change and transitional arrangements.
- Gabon conducted presidential elections in April 2025, marking the first polls since a 2023 coup, raising questions about inclusivity and political space.
- Malawi held elections in September 2025 with a notable presidential contest and acceptance of results, underlining respect for constitutional order in competitive settings.
- Elections in other countries such as Tanzania, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Côte d’Ivoire’s 2025 polls have highlighted a mix of continuity, contestation, and governance challenges.
These varied experiences present both positive precedents and cautionary tales for Zambia’s own electoral journey. Below are some of the key lessons Zambia can draw from the recent elections across the continent:
- Safeguarding Human Security Throughout the Electoral Cycle
Elections should occur within an environment that protects personal safety, livelihoods, and community stability. In contexts where election periods have coincided with spikes in violence or economic disruption, citizens have reported heightened insecurity and fear, detracting from meaningful political participation. Zambia can prioritize early conflict risk assessments, inclusive civic dialogue and safety strategies that prevent violence before it erupts.
- Ensuring Human Rights and Civic Freedoms
Recent elections affirm that protection of freedoms: of expression, assembly and association – is central to legitimacy. Countries that have respected these rights during campaigns and voting have seen more peaceful outcomes and greater trust in results. Conversely, where rights have been restricted, such as through limitations on opposition activity or media space, doubts about fairness have been amplified.
- Strengthening Institutional Credibility and Impartiality
Independent electoral management bodies, impartial judiciaries and robust oversight mechanisms have contributed to peaceful transitions in countries like Senegal. Trust in institutions enhances the willingness of citizens and political actors to accept outcomes and work within constitutional frameworks to resolve disputes.
- Normalizing Peaceful Contestation and Transitions
Zambia’s history of peaceful elections is an asset. However, continental examples show that peaceful conduct is not automatic. It is the product of deliberate leadership behavior, rule-adherence and commitment to democratic norms. Political actors should model respect for rules, prioritise issue-based debates, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that can fracture social cohesion.
5. Facilitating Legal and Peaceful Dispute Resolution
Post-election disputes are common, but how they are managed matters. Courts and agreed-upon mechanisms serve as peaceful avenues for resolving grievances. Reinforcing confidence in legal dispute resolution reduces the risk that disagreements escalate into unrest.
Africa’s recent electoral landscape offers a compelling reminder: elections are most secure, rights-respecting and credible when they are inclusive, institutionally anchored, peaceful and protective of citizen rights. As Zambia braces for its elections, adopting these lessons can enhance human security, uphold human rights and strengthen governance for current and future generations.
About ACIG
- www.acigzambia.com
- acig@acigzambia.com
The Africa Centre for Innovative Governance (ACIG) is an independent policy think tank dedicated to advancing ethical leadership, human security, human rights, and evidence-based governance reforms across Africa.
For more information or inquries, get in touch with us on:
252B Twin Palms Road, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia