The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has commenced a nationwide voter education and registration campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections, with several districts beginning training workshops for Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) and District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) members.
In Kabwe District of Central Province, the ECZ is targeting to register over 52,000 new voters during the forthcoming mass voter registration exercise. District Registration Officer and Kabwe Town Clerk, Jovax Ngoma, said the Commission projects to register 30,576 voters in Kabwe Central Constituency and 21,445 in Bwacha Constituency, based on 2022 Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStat) data.
Mr. Ngoma was speaking when he opened a five-day training workshop for DVEC members and VEFs. He urged the facilitators to treat people with dignity and respect while executing their duties.
“We don’t doubt your capabilities, but the confidence reposed in you should not be betrayed,” he warned.
And Kabwe DVEC Coordinator, Lubeta Muyabala, reminded facilitators of their responsibility to guide and explain the registration requirements to prospective voters. The ECZ mass voter registration exercise will run from October 13 to November 11, 2025.
In Mitete District, the Electoral Commission has also commenced a five-day intensive training for VEFs and DVEC members ahead of the same mass voter registration exercise. The training, which started this week, is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively deliver voter education to eligible citizens ahead of next year’s general elections.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, Mitete District Registration Officer, Kennedy Kazanda, emphasized the importance of impartiality, describing voter education as a cornerstone of credible elections.
“Impartiality must be the guiding principle in this exercise. Voter education is about empowering citizens, not advancing political interests,” Mr. Kazanda said.
He warned that facilitators found engaging in partisan activities risk dismissal. The voter education campaign in Mitete will run from October 11 to November 11, 2025, while the mass voter registration exercise is scheduled for October 13 to November 11, 2025.
Meanwhile, in Petauke District, District Registration Officer, Kelvin Banda, has stressed the importance of impartiality, non-partisanship, and professionalism in delivering voter education during the forthcoming mass voter registration exercise. Mr. Banda said these principles are key to ensuring essential information reaches all eligible citizens, thereby reducing voter apathy.
“Voter registration is very important in delivering credible, free and fair elections. Building a complete and accurate voters’ register is the cornerstone of democratic participation and every participant has a responsibility to encourage citizens to register,” he said.
Mr. Banda made the remarks when he officiated at the district voter education training for VEFs, DVEC members, and school club patrons and matrons. Petauke DVEC Chairperson, Johnson Chaambwa, emphasized the need for locally responsive and inclusive strategies in delivering voter education.
“Community insights and oversight are vital for inclusivity, particularly in reaching men, women, farmers, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Mr. Chaambwa said.
Participants were encouraged to collaborate closely to ensure no eligible voter is left behind and that a comprehensive and accurate voters’ register is built.
In Chadiza District, training for District Voter Education Officers (DVEOs), VEFs, and DVECs has also begun as part of preparations for the 2026 general elections. District Registration Officer, David Mwansa, urged the facilitators to be proactive in ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered to vote, stressing the need for inclusivity, objectivity, and non-partisanship in their work.
He noted that the five-day training, which runs until October 8, is aimed at equipping facilitators to ensure universal coverage of the district during the mass voter registration exercise. Earlier, DVECs mapped out a roadmap of meetings and activities in line with the Electoral Voter Education Regulations and the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
District Voter Education Trainer, Lewis Himoonga, reminded the public that anyone currently aged 17 but turning 18 by April 30, 2026, will be eligible to register as a voter. Mr. Himoonga encouraged the use of pre-application online registration to minimize errors.
Another trainer, Juliet Banda, disclosed that the compilation and printing of the Provisional Register of Voters will run from January 7 to February 3, 2026, and called for full public participation in the ECZ processes.
