Low Stakeholder Accreditation Worries ECZ In Vubwi

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has raised concern over the low turnout of stakeholders seeking accreditation to monitor and observe the August 13 general elections in Vubwi district. Vubwi District Electoral Officer, Moses Mutyoka, said the number of political parties, Independent Candidates and other stakeholders obtaining accreditation remained low as of Saturday, August 8, with most participating political players having accredited only two members of staff. The accreditation exercise is scheduled to close on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Professor Mutyoka urged political parties and other stakeholders to take the accreditation exercise seriously, warning that failure to obtain the necessary accreditation will result in polling agents being denied access to monitor the electoral process on polling day. “Political parties are supposed to be at the forefront of acquiring accreditation. If you do not do so, your polling agents will not be allowed to monitor the elections.

Make sure you do the needful,” he said. He assured stakeholders that the ECZ was working throughout the accreditation period to ensure that all eligible persons were accredited, but encouraged them not to wait until the last minute. Professor Mutyoka warned that late applications could result in unnecessary panic and congestion, potentially leaving some stakeholders unable to obtain the required accreditation documents before the deadline.

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He further cautioned stakeholders that those who failed to take advantage of the opportunity to comply with the electoral procedures would have themselves to blame, as the Commission had provided adequate information on the requirements and procedures governing the elections. The District Electoral Officer said the Commission remained committed to ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and credible, stressing that political parties have an important role to play in monitoring the polls. He described the participation of political parties and other accredited stakeholders in monitoring the electoral process as an important component of a democratic election.

Professor Mutyoka also urged voters to safeguard their National Registration Cards (NRCs) and voters’ cards, which are required for them to cast their ballots. He cautioned voters against surrendering their documents to other people, saying voters should remain in possession of their NRCs and voters’ cards at all times.

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