The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has extended the ongoing voter registration exercise by 15 days, citing increased public turnout and the need to capture more eligible citizens ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Announcing the development during a press briefing in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the extension will run from Wednesday, November 12th, to Wednesday, November 26th, 2025.
She said the Commission has decided to extend the voter registration period by 15 days after taking into account field reports and the remaining number of unregistered eligible citizens.
The registration exercise, which began on October 13th, was initially scheduled to close on November 11th, 2025.
She said ECZ observed a significant rise in voter turnout during the final two phases of the registration, with several districts recording large numbers of new voters.
“The increased turnout in phases five and six demonstrates that the measures the Commission put in place are yielding positive results, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm and civic responsibility shown by citizens.” Ms Zaloumis said.
The ECZ Chairperson said the overall process has been smooth, with registration centres operating effectively across most districts, despite minor logistical challenges during the early phases.
She emphasized that the 15-day extension will be the final one, urging all eligible citizens, including those who have relocated, lost their voter cards, or need to update their details, to take advantage of the window.
“The Commission does not expect any further extension after November 26, we appeal to all unregistered citizens to use this period to ensure they can participate in shaping the future of our democracy.” Ms Zaloumis said.
She stated that the extension has been accommodated within the 2026 General Election roadmap, and will not affect other key activities such as the inspection and certification of the voter register.
She reaffirmed ECZ’s commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and inclusive voter registration process.
Meanwhile the ECZ has recorded a total of 1,639,457 voter registration transactions during the first five phases of the ongoing mass voter registration exercise.
Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro announced that the figure includes 758,251 new voter registrations and 881,206 updates, which cover transfers and voter card replacements.
He said the statistics released reflect progress made up to November 6th 2025, and do not include data in phase six.
Of the 758,251 new voters, 405,805 are female and 352,446 are male.
The Copperbelt Province led the registration numbers with 121,261 new voters, followed by Southern Province with 99,064 and Eastern Province with 90,240.
The Muchinga Province recorded the lowest number of new voters at 37,274.
For voter updates, which include transfers and replacements, the Copperbelt again led with 122,405, followed closely by Eastern Province at 120,437 and Southern Province at 118,449.
When combined, new registrations and updates placed Copperbelt Province at the top with 243,666 total transactions, followed by Southern Province with 217,513 and Eastern Province with 210,677.
“The Commission will continue to provide regular updates, including figures from Phase Six and the 15-day extension period announced by the Chairperson,” he stated.
Kudos to HH and the new dawn as the first government to implement the continous voter registration, all governments used to be afriad and manipulated the voters register.
This is true democracy let’s give respect to this HH government this extends also in the neighborhood Zambia is showing them that there is no need to fear people need to register and vote wisely it’s unfortunate that those chingola thugs are trying to destroy what we have achieved than going backwards,HH really protected them for not opening fire at them,he is actual one out of a thousand Presidents God bless him more.
Forward with Upnd