Zambian authorities have announced the arrest of three former senior government officials and a Kenyan national over an alleged plot to interfere with the country’s electoral system, just hours before voters go to the polls in a closely watched presidential election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security said a joint investigation involving defence and security agencies had uncovered what it described as a plan to “interfere with Zambia’s electoral system” ahead of Thursday’s general election.

The ministry said the three former officials had allegedly provided technical services intended to disrupt the electoral system and were being held in custody.

The government has also asked three other individuals — Japhen Mwakalombe, Mwila Kakana and Sensho Banda — to assist with investigations after they were allegedly found in possession of more than K7.3 million, whose source and intended purpose authorities said had not yet been established.

According to the statement, the three were invited to explain the source of the funds but, through their lawyers, indicated that they would only be available after August 14.

Authorities further alleged that investigations had uncovered “sensitive military intelligence information” on some electronic devices seized from the trio, raising concerns over what the government described as possible unauthorised access to protected information.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

In a related development, the government said it had apprehended a 56-year-old Kenyan national, identified as Michael Njuka, who was allegedly contracted to carry out cybercrime targeting the Zambian state.

The announcement comes as Zambia prepares to vote on Thursday, August 13, in an election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second term. The Electoral Commission of Zambia’s official timetable confirms August 13 as the first-ballot polling date.

Hichilema, who came to power in 2021 after defeating then-incumbent Edgar Lungu, is seeking another five-year mandate amid debate over the country’s economic performance, the cost of living and the extent to which the government’s economic reforms have translated into improved conditions for ordinary citizens.

His principal challenger is Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance. Recent election coverage has characterised the contest as largely a two-horse race between Hichilema and Mundubile, although 14 presidential candidates are on the ballot.

The government’s security announcement adds another layer of tension to an election already marked by political confrontation and competing claims over the state of Zambia’s democracy.

The allegations are particularly significant because the government has repeatedly emphasised the need for peaceful and credible elections. In February, Hichilema told Parliament that his administration remained committed to “free, fair, credible and peaceful elections”, while calling on political actors to choose “unity over division” and “dialogue and inclusion over conflict and insults”.

The latest security operation also comes against a backdrop of heightened concern over election-related security.