ECZ Dismisses Rigging Claims, Says Electoral System Is Secure

ECZ Dismisses Rigging Claims, Says Electoral System Is Secure
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has rejected claims that elections in the country can be rigged, saying the existing electoral framework contains multiple safeguards that make manipulation of results impossible.

Responding to growing public debate and political claims questioning the credibility of electoral outcomes, the Commission said Zambia’s elections are conducted through a transparent, multi-layered process involving political parties, observers, and independent verification mechanisms at every stage.

ECZ explained that the voting process begins with voter registration, which is subjected to public inspection and verification. Political parties and stakeholders are allowed to scrutinise the voters’ roll, lodge objections, and participate in verification exercises aimed at eliminating duplication or irregular entries.

On polling day, the Commission said voting takes place in the presence of party agents, election monitors, and observers accredited from both local and international organisations. Each polling station operates independently, with ballot papers accounted for before, during, and after voting, reducing opportunities for interference.

The Commission further noted that results are counted at the polling station immediately after voting closes, in full view of party agents and observers. Once counting is complete, results are recorded on official forms that are signed by polling officials and party representatives before being transmitted to the constituency tally centres.

According to ECZ, party agents receive copies of the results at the polling station, enabling political parties to independently compile and verify totals as results are announced. This parallel verification system, the Commission said, makes it difficult for results to be altered without detection.

The Commission said claims of rigging often overlook the cumulative effect of these safeguards, which include secure transportation of election materials, monitored storage, and reconciliation of ballots against voter turnout figures.

ECZ also addressed concerns around electronic systems, clarifying that while technology is used to enhance efficiency and transparency, it does not replace physical ballots or manual counting at polling stations. The Commission said this hybrid approach limits the risk of technological manipulation while improving administrative accuracy.

The assurances come amid heightened political tension following the enactment of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, which has intensified debate around electoral reforms, representation, and governance. Some opposition figures and activists have questioned whether future elections will reflect the will of the electorate, prompting the Commission to restate its mandate and operational independence.

ECZ emphasised that it operates as an independent constitutional body and does not take instructions from political parties or the Executive. It said its credibility depends on strict adherence to the law and transparent procedures that withstand scrutiny from all stakeholders.

The Commission acknowledged that public confidence in elections is critical to democratic stability and said it remains open to engagement with political parties, civil society, and the Church to address concerns and clarify misconceptions about electoral processes.

While defending the integrity of the system, ECZ encouraged political players to use established legal channels to challenge any perceived irregularities rather than undermining public trust through unsubstantiated claims. It said the courts remain the appropriate forum for resolving electoral disputes.

The Commission also pointed to Zambia’s history of peaceful transfers of power as evidence that the electoral system functions as intended. It said outcomes over the years have reflected voter choices across different political contexts, further reinforcing confidence in the process.

ECZ concluded by urging citizens to participate actively in electoral processes and to rely on verified information. It said maintaining confidence in elections is a shared responsibility that requires honesty, vigilance, and respect for democratic institutions.