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Is Zambia's democratic record fraying ahead of the 2026 election?

Is Zambia's democratic record fraying ahead of the 2026 election?

Analysts warn that Zambia's August 2026 election risks being seen as shaped by legal manoeuvring rather than the ballot box, even as the country remains one of Africa's stronger democracies. We are awaiting the response of the government and electoral commission to these concerns.

⏳ One side so far — awaiting the other. We've published the account below while we seek a response from the other side. If and when it comes, we'll add it here and move this into its section.
Analysts & critics

Analysts caution that legal manoeuvring around the August 2026 vote could erode confidence in a country long praised for peaceful transfers of power — noting Zambia is rated a 'hybrid regime' with persistent governance constraints despite ranking among Africa's top democracies.

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A move to suspend Colombia's President Petro: defending the election, or an unconstitutional power play?
World Jun 12

A move to suspend Colombia's President Petro: defending the election, or an unconstitutional power play?

A member of the Colombian Congress's Accusations Committee issued an order purporting to provisionally suspend leftist President Gustavo Petro until June 21, amid accusations he improperly meddled in the upcoming election. Backers cast it as accountability for interfering in the vote; Petro and legal experts call the order unconstitutional — issued by a single lawmaker, bypassing the procedure that requires the full House committee and the Senate — and Petro has alleged extortion.