The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has stated that chiefs and members of the public will be actively involved in the ongoing delimitation exercise as the country prepares for the August 2026 general elections.
According to reports published in News Diggers, the Commission said the delimitation process is designed to be inclusive and consultative, with traditional leaders and community members playing a role in shaping proposed changes to constituency and ward boundaries. The ECZ said this approach is intended to ensure that boundary adjustments reflect population distribution, local realities, and administrative considerations.
The Commission explained that delimitation is a constitutional process aimed at reviewing and, where necessary, redefining electoral boundaries to promote fair representation. ECZ officials said population changes and settlement patterns require periodic review to ensure that constituencies and wards remain balanced in terms of voter numbers.
The ECZ noted that chiefs, as custodians of customary land and community structures, are key stakeholders in the process. Their involvement, the Commission said, will help ensure that boundary adjustments respect traditional arrangements and local governance dynamics. Members of the public will also be given opportunities to make submissions and provide input during the exercise.
According to the Commission, public consultations are expected to form a central part of the delimitation process. These consultations will allow residents to express views on proposed boundary changes, raise concerns, and contribute local knowledge that may not be captured through demographic data alone.
The ECZ said the exercise will follow procedures outlined in the Constitution and electoral laws, including the publication of preliminary proposals and the receipt of submissions from stakeholders. The Commission said timelines would be communicated to ensure that the process remains transparent and orderly.
The delimitation exercise comes as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections, where voters will elect the President, Members of Parliament, and local government representatives. The ECZ has emphasised that accurate and fair electoral boundaries are critical to the credibility of the electoral process.
In its communication, the Commission said it is mindful of concerns that often arise during delimitation, including fears of political influence or marginalisation of certain communities. ECZ officials said the inclusion of chiefs and the public is intended to build confidence in the process and minimise disputes.
The Commission further stated that delimitation is not driven by political interests but by constitutional requirements and technical assessments. It said decisions would be based on population data, geographic considerations, and administrative efficiency.
Traditional leaders who spoke on the matter welcomed the opportunity to participate, noting that community involvement would help ensure that boundary changes do not disrupt social cohesion or service delivery arrangements. Some community members also expressed interest in engaging with the process, citing the impact of boundaries on representation and access to resources.
As the exercise progresses, the ECZ said it will continue to provide updates and guidance on how stakeholders can participate. The Commission reiterated that the success of delimitation depends on cooperation between electoral authorities, traditional leadership, and citizens.
The outcome of the process is expected to determine constituency and ward configurations ahead of the August polls, shaping how representation is distributed across the country.
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