Human Rights Commission-Zambia (HRC-Z) Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo has called on Zambians to reject electoral violence, hate speech and intolerance, urging citizens to embrace peaceful participation ahead of the 13 August 2026 General Election.

Speaking at the Democracy Dialogue Tournament held at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday, 25th July 2026, Dr. Sambo said democracy, like football, thrives when participants respect the rules, fairness and one another’s rights.

She said while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, participation in public affairs and to make political choices freely, those rights must be exercised with respect for the rights and freedoms of others.

Dr. Sambo urged political players, supporters and the public to uphold tolerance and reject intimidation, discrimination and violence, warning that such acts undermine democracy and prevent citizens from fully exercising their rights.

Using football as a symbol of democratic participation, she called for a “red card” to hate speech, electoral violence and all forms of human rights violations, saying they have no place in a democratic society.

She further encouraged citizens to report threats, intimidation and human rights violations through the Commission’s Early Warning and Early Response mechanism and its toll-free line 8181, noting that early reporting enables timely intervention and helps prevent situations from escalating.

Dr. Sambo also challenged young people participating in the tournament to become ambassadors for peace and human rights, emphasising that they are key contributors to Zambia’s democratic future.

The Democracy Dialogue Tournament was organised by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) through the Strengthening Democracy and Electoral Governance in Zambia (PRO DEM), funded by the European Union, in partnership with the Human Rights Commission to promote dialogue, peaceful participation and respect for human rights ahead of the General Election.