Chief Mpuka of the Chikunda people in Luangwa District has praised efforts by the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) to sensitise the subjects in his chiefdom on human rights ahead of the August 2026 General Elections.

The Chief convened, at HRC-Z’s request, a meeting at his palace on 24th January 2026 where traditional leaders and key stakeholders in Mpuka Chiefdom were engaged by the Commission on fundamental human rights that ought to be respected and upheld during elections.

Chief Mpuka acknowledged that it was the first time that a meeting on human rights and elections was being held in his chiefdom in 2026 and called upon HRC-Z to replicate the efforts by conducting further sensitisation meetings at village and ward levels.

He also called upon the traditional leaders and stakeholders who attended the engagement meeting on human rights and elections to promote peace, unity and respect for human rights before, during and after the 2026 General Elections.

HRC-Z Manager for Human Rights Advocacy, Mr. Simon Mulumbi, underscored the need for enhanced respect for, and protection of, fundamental rights and freedoms of the electorate and those vying for public office during the forthcoming elections. Key among these rights are freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, right to access information, freedom of movement, right to personal liberty and protection from discrimination.

The engagement meeting on human rights and elections was attended by more than 50 traditional leaders and stakeholders who included village headmen and women, police officers, church leaders and representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, the District Administration, Luangwa Town Council and the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).