Distribution of ballot papers to conclude tomorrow…

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says the distribution of ballot papers for the August 13 General Elections which commenced on August 2nd, will conclude on tomorrow, August 8th, 2026. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lusaka, ECZ Acting Director of Electoral Operations, Winner Mwanamonga, also disclosed that training of over 81, 000 poll staff is currently underway with deployment scheduled for August 10th to 12th. Mr Mwanamonga also announced that 8.7 million voters were updated in the register for the August 13th General Elections with 53 percent being females and 46 percent, males.

Following the delimitation exercise, Mr Mwanamonga noted that the country now has 13, 529 polling stations from 1,858 wards of the 226 Constituencies. He added that a total of 14 Presidential candidates, 973 Parliamentary and 439 Mayoral candidates as well as 5,099 aspiring councilors are currently contesting in this year’s general elections. Mr Mwanamonga further indicated that the first ever Presidential Campaign timetable introduced ahead of this year’s general elections has enhanced the Commission’s management of the 2026 campaigns.

He also expressed satisfaction with progress of publicity and conflict management, so far. “Chair, I’m happy to report that if you drive around, there are more voter education posters than any other posters,” he said. Mrs Zaloumis expressed disappointment with the absence of some political parties at the meeting, urging them to take such engagements seriously.

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She further encouraged stakeholders to rely on verified information and ensure that only accurate details are shared with members, supporters, and the wider public.“By doing so, we can collectively minimise the spread of misinformation and disinformation and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” she added.Meanwhile, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, disclosed that Voter Verification Devices will not be used during this year’s election as the Commission does not have resources to procure some.“The plan was a 100 percent roll-out of the VVDs. So it’s either 100 percent or we will not deploy at all,” he said. She further encouraged stakeholders to rely on verified information and ensure that only accurate details are shared with members, supporters, and the wider public.

“By doing so, we can collectively minimise the spread of misinformation and disinformation and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” she added.Meanwhile, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, disclosed that Voter Verification Devices will not be used during this year’s election as the Commission does not have resources to procure some.“The plan was a 100 percent roll-out of the VVDs. “By doing so, we can collectively minimise the spread of misinformation and disinformation and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” she added. Meanwhile, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, disclosed that Voter Verification Devices will not be used during this year’s election as the Commission does not have resources to procure some.“The plan was a 100 percent roll-out of the VVDs.

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