As Zambia approaches the pivotal August 13 general elections, a familiar and troubling reality persists: thousands of Zambians living abroad remain effectively excluded from the democratic process, despite the law recognising their right to vote.
This contradiction between principle and practice raises serious questions about the country’s commitment to inclusive democracy.
The legal framework is clear. Zambia does not bar its citizens in the diaspora from voting. In fact, the intent to include them is firmly embedded in electoral law.
Yet, with just months to go before polling day, there is still no practical mechanism in place to make that right a reality.
The consequence is that a significant segment of the population, many of whom contribute meaningfully to the economy through remittances, will once again watch from the sidelines as decisions about their country’s future are made.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has long acknowledged diaspora voting as an important goal. Over the years, proposals have been floated, including voting at embassies and high commissions, postal ballots, and electronic voting systems.
However, acknowledgement without implementation is no longer sufficient. At some point, intent must translate into action.
There is no denying the challenges. Organising elections beyond national borders involves complex logistics, significant costs, and careful planning to safeguard transparency and credibility.
But these are not insurmountable obstacles. Many countries, including several within Africa, have successfully implemented diaspora voting in various forms. Zambia can, and should, draw lessons from these examples.
The August 13 elections present not just a political milestone but also a test of the country’s democratic maturity. Each election cycle that passes without diaspora participation deepens the disconnect between citizens at home and those abroad.
It sends an unfortunate message that some voices matter less simply because of geography.
If full implementation is not feasible in time for this year’s polls, then government and electoral authorities must, at the very least, provide a clear, time-bound roadmap.
Zambians deserve more than promises that never materialise. They deserve transparency, accountability, and progress.
Democracy is strongest when it is inclusive. As the nation prepares to head to the polls, the continued exclusion of diaspora voters remains a glaring gap.
It is one that must be urgently addressed if Zambia is to live up to its own laws and democratic ideals.
