TI-Z CALLS FOR TRANSPARENT, INCLUSIVE VOTER REGISTRATION AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible voter registration process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
TI-Z Acting Executive Director, Raymond Mutale, commended the ECZ for initiating the mass voter registration exercise but highlighted concerns over the timeframe, public awareness, and accessibility.
“While we welcome the commencement of voter registration, we urge the ECZ to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, integrity, impartiality, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in deploying registration kits across the country,” Mr. Mutale said.
He also emphasised the need for contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted registration, especially in remote areas.
“The use of backup generators, battery-powered registration kits, and mobile registration units, as implemented in countries like South Africa and Ghana, can help mitigate disruptions and ensure no eligible voter is left out,” he added.
Mr. Mutale further expressed concern over the ambitious one-month timeframe for registering an estimated 3.5 million voters.
“We recommend that the ECZ reassess and extend the registration period to accommodate logistical and technical challenges and regional disparities,” he said.
“Limited public awareness about the registration exercise was also highlighted. “Reports from areas such as Mtendere suggest that many citizens may not yet be aware of the ongoing exercise. We urge the ECZ to intensify public sensitization campaigns through community radio, social media, traditional leaders, and civil society partnerships.”
TI-Z also reminded stakeholders that voter registration must respect the right of every eligible citizen to vote, without discrimination based on race, sex, language, religion, or social status.
“Special attention must be paid to prevent indirect disenfranchisement, particularly of women, youth, and marginalized communities,” Mr. Mutale said.
He concluded by stressing that voter registration is the cornerstone of democratic participation.
“It ensures that only eligible citizens vote, prevents multiple registrations, and upholds the credibility of the voter roll. We call on the ECZ, government, political parties, civil society, and media to support a transparent, inclusive, and credible registration process that reflects Zambia’s democratic values,” he said.