ECZ sets April 15 for presidential nomination fees

LUSAKA — The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set April 15, 2026 as the start date for payment of presidential nomination fees, clarifying that the measure applies only to aspiring presidential candidates and not to other elective positions.

The Commission says the date has been designated to facilitate pre-processing of supporters for presidential candidates at provincial centres, allowing candidates to complete part of the nomination process outside Lusaka. The clarification follows misinformation suggesting that all candidates were required to pay nomination fees from that date.

The Commission states that the April 15 timeline applies exclusively to presidential candidates who intend to have their supporters verified in advance. Candidates for National Assembly, mayoral and council positions will not pay nomination fees at that stage and are instead required to do so after the dissolution of Parliament and councils.

The distinction is intended to align administrative processes with the electoral calendar, ensuring that different categories of candidates follow procedures appropriate to their nomination timelines. By separating the payment schedules, the Commission maintains consistency with legal requirements governing each office.

The introduction of early payment for presidential candidates is also framed as a cost-reduction measure. The Commission explains that pre-processing supporters at provincial centres will reduce the need for candidates to transport all 1,000 required supporters to Lusaka at once, lowering logistical expenses associated with the nomination process.

Under electoral requirements, presidential candidates must be supported by at least 100 registered voters from each province. The pre-processing arrangement is designed to manage that requirement more efficiently by decentralising verification procedures.

The Commission emphasises that the dates and procedures were communicated in the 2026 General Election Roadmap, which remains a public document accessible to all stakeholders. It states that the current clarification is intended to address misinterpretation rather than introduce new requirements.

In its statement, the Commission urges stakeholders to rely on official communication channels when seeking clarification on electoral procedures. It cautions against the circulation of unverified information, noting that inaccuracies can create confusion around the nomination process.

The Commission also reiterates that pre-payment of nomination fees by presidential candidates is not a new practice, indicating that similar approaches were applied in previous election cycles to streamline administrative processes.

Further engagement with stakeholders is scheduled, with the Commission set to meet aspiring presidential candidates, secretaries general, election chairpersons and campaign managers to outline modalities for both pre-processing of supporters and payment of nomination fees.

The clarification places the nomination process within a defined administrative framework as the election calendar advances, ensuring that procedures remain structured ahead of the August general election.