NDI began working in Zambia in 1991 during the country’s first multiparty elections since independence in 1964, which led to the country’s first political transition of power. Since then, the Institute has worked with Zambian political party leaders, citizen election monitoring organizations, and civil society partners to support political party strengthening, election observation efforts, democratic and electoral reform processes, transparency and accountability in governance, and the inclusion of traditionally marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities in political and electoral processes. 

NDI is working to strengthen civil society’s ability to advocate for constitutional and legislative reforms to promote transparency and accountability through anti-corruption mechanisms, promote electoral integrity, protect the rights of freedom of expression and assembly, and increase the political participation of marginalized groups. With technical and financial assistance from the Institute, NDI’s local partners are monitoring electoral processes and government delivery of services, engaging with decision-makers, conducting public advocacy campaigns, and developing recommendations for legislation to advance and preserve democratic reforms. NDI is also piloting local-level interventions with women political aspirants and influential male community leaders to enhance women’s political participation ahead of the 2026 elections.