About the Project

Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) is a four-year multi-donor project designed to address recently identified evolving challenges and builds on previous electoral interventions as Zambia enters its next electoral cycle and the run-up to general elections in 2021. UNDP and partner assistance endeavours to fulfil its contribution in the electoral sector to ensure national institutions at all levels target, manage, coordinate and account for the following:  resources for equitable service delivery; equitable and effective participation in national and democratic processes, especially by women, youth and marginalized groups;  protection and promotion of human rights and human security, access to justice and gender equality with particular focus on the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Expected Outputs

Based on recommendations of 2016 election observation reports, consultations with stakeholders, and recommendations arising from independently conducted evaluations, the following are the main anticipated outputs and support areas:

Output 1: Targeted Support to key stakeholders in the electoral cycle and legal reform

• 1.1  Support to the Electoral Commission of Zambia
• 1.2  Parliamentary capacity-building through democracy strengthening approach
• 1.3  Support to the legal reform process

Output 2:  Enhance conflict mitigation mechanisms to strengthen the peaceful conduct of elections

• 2.1    Strengthen institutional capacity to ensure peaceful conduct of elections
• 2.2    Support to political violence early warning system

Output 3:  Strengthen inclusive participation and civic engagement

• 3.1     Support inclusive participation
• 3.2     Support civic engagement and voter education

Output 4:  Capacity Building and project management.