ECZ grants 15-day extension to voter registration drive
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has extended the ongoing nationwide voter registration exercise by 15 days, citing an encouraging turnout and mounting requests from stakeholders for additional time to accommodate citizens who had not yet registered.
Announcing the extension during a media briefing in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the exercise will now run until November 26, 2025. She explained that the commission had taken into account both the progress made so far and logistical challenges faced by eligible voters across various regions.
“The Commission is satisfied that the circumstances warrant this extension,” she said. “This will be the final extension, and we urge all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Ms Zaloumis disclosed that as of November 10, over 1.6 million voters had been captured since the beginning of the exercise. She said the figure included 752,251 new registrations and 853,846 updates of voter records, alongside 351,206 male and 1,269,847 female registrants.
ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro added that the highest number of new registrations was recorded in Southern Province, followed by North-Western and Western Provinces. He attributed the strong participation to increased public awareness and the accessibility of registration centres across districts.
Kasaro explained that the commission had established more mobile registration points and improved logistical support to remote areas. “We have responded to feedback from communities by increasing the number of kits and technicians assigned to under-served localities,” he said.
Ms Zaloumis noted that the ECZ’s decision was also influenced by recommendations from political parties, civil-society organisations, and religious bodies who asked for more time to mobilise eligible citizens. “We have listened to stakeholders, and we recognise the importance of ensuring that every qualified voter has the chance to participate in shaping the country’s democratic future,” she said.
The ECZ chief reaffirmed that the extended period would not compromise the integrity of the voter register, assuring the public that all verification, data-cleaning, and security checks would be completed within the new timeframe.
“The data management and quality-control teams are on schedule,” she said. “We are confident that the register will be ready for certification before the next electoral phase begins.”
Ms Zaloumis emphasised that the ECZ’s target was to reach more than two million registered voters by the close of the exercise. “This process is about ensuring inclusivity,” she said. “Every Zambian eligible to vote must seize this opportunity to have their voice heard at the ballot box.”
She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “We invite observers, political parties, and media representatives to continue monitoring the process to maintain confidence in the electoral system,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ECZ encouraged citizens who had already registered in previous exercises but needed to update their details—such as changes in residence or correction of personal information—to do so before the new deadline.
“We have had cases where individuals assume that old details will automatically carry over,” Ms Zaloumis warned. “We urge all voters to confirm their registration status and ensure their information is current.”
She also reminded the public that registration is open to Zambians aged 18 years and above who possess valid national registration cards.
“Participation in elections is not only a right but a civic responsibility,” she said. “We call upon parents, churches, and communities to mobilise eligible young people who may be registering for the first time.”
The ECZ noted that the extension also aligns with logistical preparations for the 2026 general elections, allowing for data synchronisation across districts and continuous voter education.
“Extending this process is not about favouring any group,” Ms Zaloumis said. “It is about strengthening democracy through inclusion.”
Observers from the Civic and Voter Education Network commended the ECZ for heeding citizen calls. “This is a welcome gesture that enhances participation, particularly in rural areas where delays were reported due to rain and transport difficulties,” said a representative who attended the briefing.
In a separate interview, governance specialist Dr. Henry Kabwe described the ECZ’s decision as pragmatic. “It demonstrates that the Commission is responsive and adaptive to citizen realities,” he said. “More voters mean a stronger democratic mandate for any government elected in 2026.”
With the new 15-day window, all provinces are expected to continue operating registration centres daily, including weekends, until November 26. Mobile teams will remain deployed in remote areas, while provincial offices continue processing verification forms.
Ms Zaloumis concluded by urging political actors to encourage peaceful participation and avoid spreading false information about the process. “This exercise belongs to all of us. Let us protect its credibility,” she said.
