Children Call for Peaceful, Inclusive and Child-Centred Elections Ahead of Zambia’s 2026 Polls
Young people from all ten provinces present the National Children’s Manifesto to political parties, urging leaders to prioritise children’s rights, protection and wellbeing before, during and after the 2026 General Elections
LUSAKA, Zambia, May 2026 --- Children from across Zambia have formally presented the National Children’s Manifesto to representatives of 34 political parties ahead of the 13 August 2026 General Elections, calling for peaceful, inclusive and child-centered elections that protect and promote the rights of every child.
The high-level stakeholder engagement dialogue, convened by the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) and in collaboration with the Joining Forces Alliance (JFA), brought together child representatives, political party leaders, outgoing Members of Parliament, civil society organisations and development partners to amplify children’s voices in the democratic process.
Developed through nationwide consultations with children aged 10 to 17 from all ten provinces, the manifesto captures children’s concerns, aspirations and recommendations on issues affecting their lives and futures. The consultations were facilitated through a partnership between the Joining Forces Alliance and UNICEF Zambia and further informed by a nationwide U-Report poll.
Dear leaders, as you shape policies and lead our communities, include children in your decisions. See us, hear us, and let our voices count.
In the manifesto, children identified poverty as a major factor affecting their access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, protection and overall wellbeing. They called on political leaders to invest in child-focused services and ensure that all children, including the most vulnerable, can access safe schools, quality learning materials, adequate healthcare, clean water, sanitation and protection services.
Children also raised concerns about violence, abuse, child marriage and harmful political practices that expose children to exploitation during election periods. They urged political parties and candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns and uphold ethical, child-sensitive communication that protects children’s dignity, safety and wellbeing.
As a neutral platform for dialogue, the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue is committed to ensuring that children’s voices are heard ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Children demand honest, accountable leadership that keeps promises, uses resources responsibly, and includes children in decision-making.
Contributing to the acknowledgement section of the Children’s Manifesto, Ms. Anita Manika, Child Representative and Junior Mayor of the Greater City of Lusaka, stressed the importance of protecting children throughout the electoral process.
“Every child deserves a peaceful, inclusive and safe environment where they are heard, protected and empowered to thrive,” she said. “As we approach the 2026 elections and beyond, we urge leaders, political parties, communities and all stakeholders to protect children’s rights before, during and after the elections.”
The event also featured remarks from Hon. Joseph Munsanje, outgoing Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Children, who reaffirmed the importance of child participation and ongoing efforts to advance children’s rights and wellbeing in Zambia.
UNICEF Zambia Deputy Country Representative (a.i), Mr. Tinkhani Msonda highlighted the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are reflected in national development and governance processes.
“As Zambia prepares for the 2026 General Elections, it is both timely and essential that we listen to the voices of children,” he said. “Inclusive democratic processes are stronger when they reflect the perspectives and aspirations of all citizens, including children. Their contributions through this Children’s Manifesto remind us that leadership must be grounded in accountability, equity, peace and a shared commitment to the wellbeing and future of every child in Zambia.”
The presentation of the Children’s Manifesto marks an important milestone in promoting meaningful child participation in governance and democratic processes. It also seeks to encourage political leaders and aspiring candidates to place children at the centre of their party manifestos and policy commitments.
Child Safeguarding Guidelines
As part of the event, stakeholders also launched the Child Safeguarding Guidelines for Political Parties during the 2026 General Elections. The guidelines provide a framework to help ensure that children are protected from violence, exploitation, abuse, intimidation and political manipulation throughout the electoral process.
Grounded in Zambia’s child protection and electoral laws, the guidelines outline minimum safeguarding standards for political parties, candidates, campaign teams and supporters. They also reinforce the responsibility of political actors to uphold the rights, dignity and wellbeing of every child before, during and after elections.
The Joining Forces Alliance and UNICEF Zambia are calling on all political parties and candidates to prioritise investments in education, health, nutrition, child protection, WASH, social protection and mental health services, while committing to peaceful and child-sensitive campaigns.
The message from Zambia’s children is clear: when children are safe, healthy, educated, protected and heard, Zambia becomes stronger, fairer and more prosperous for all.
