Around 1,500 spectators gathered at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka on the weekend for the Football for Democracy – Democracy Dialogue Tournament. The activity was organised by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) within the framework of the European Union-funded project PRO-DEM Zambia, Strengthening Democracy and Electoral Governance in Zambia.
Implemented in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the City of Lusaka Football Club, Woodlands Stadium and civil society organisations, the tournament used the popularity of football to promote peaceful, informed and inclusive participation in Zambia’s General Elections, scheduled for 13 August 2026.
The initiative formed part of PRO-DEM Zambia’s efforts to provide accessible and community-centred civic and voter education during the final weeks of the electoral period. By connecting the principles of fair play, teamwork and respect on the football pitch with democratic participation, the tournament encouraged citizens to reject electoral violence and contribute to a peaceful electoral process.
A total of 125 players, including 64 women and 61 men, participated across six teams. The line-up brought together members of Zambia’s 2012 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, including Chisamba Lungu, former Copper Queens and Chipolopolo players, women comedians, Women for Democracy, Men for Democracy and the City of Lusaka Football Club.
The participation of former national team players and other prominent personalities helped attract a broad audience while making civic and electoral messages more engaging and accessible. The tournament also placed particular emphasis on women’s participation, both through the involvement of women players and through messages promoting their full and equal participation in electoral and democratic processes.
The event opened with remarks from ECES, the HRC, the ECZ, the City of Lusaka Football Club, former national team players and civil society representatives. Dr Pamela Towela Sambo, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of peaceful participation, respect for human rights and collective responsibility during the electoral period.
Throughout the day, football legends and institutional partners shared voter education and peace messages with the players and spectators. As the teams entered the pitch, they carried placards displaying messages such as “Red Card to Violence”, “Your Vote, Your Right, Your Choice”, “Vote in Peace, Zambia Is One Team” and “The Greatest Trophy Is Peace”.
Messages developed in cooperation with the ECZ and the HRC encouraged citizens to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and vote-buying. They also promoted respect for different political choices, women’s participation, responsible voting and the use of appropriate reporting mechanisms for electoral violence and human rights violations.
Spectators travelled from communities including Chawama, Matero, Chilenje, Libala, Chalala, Bauleni, Kalingalinga, Garden compounds and Woodlands to attend the event. Their participation demonstrated the ability of football to bring together people from different backgrounds around shared democratic values and a common commitment to peaceful elections.
On the pitch, the teams competed with enthusiasm and determination. Beyond the competition, however, the tournament created a visible platform for voter education, dialogue and civic engagement, reaching approximately 1,500 people directly and amplifying its messages through media and social media coverage.
The Football for Democracy – Democracy Dialogue Tournament demonstrated how sport can serve as an effective tool for communicating complex electoral messages in an inclusive and relatable way. By bringing together institutions, civil society, football personalities, women, young people and local communities, the initiative reinforced a simple but essential message ahead of the elections: different teams, one Zambia, one nation, and one shared responsibility to let peace win.
