ECZ Directs Independent Candidates to Change Light-Based Symbols

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has instructed a number of independent candidates to replace campaign symbols featuring candles, lamps and other light-related imagery after determining that the symbols conflict with one already allocated to a registered political party.

The directive requires all affected candidates to submit alternative symbols by June 10, 2026. ECZ says any candidate who fails to make a replacement selection within the prescribed period will have a distinct symbol allocated by the Commission to allow ballot paper preparations to proceed without disruption.

The decision has attracted political interest following claims from supporters of the Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu presidential ticket that the move affects symbols closely associated with their campaign message. Questions have also emerged over the Commission’s decision to withdraw symbols that had previously been approved during the nomination process.

According to ECZ, the affected symbols cannot remain on the ballot because of similarities with an existing party symbol. The Commission has since invited the affected independent candidates to engage with election officials and submit alternative choices within the stipulated timeframe.

Below is the official communication issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia:

RE: CLARIFICATION AND STANDARDISATION OF CANDIDATE SYMBOLS FOR THE
2026 GENERAL ELECTION

Reference is made to the above subject matter.

The Commission is in the process of reviewing nomination papers and supporting
documents received from the districts. During this process, it has been noted that one of the symbols provided in the Register of Symbols for Independent Candidates, namely the “Candle” symbol, bears similarity to a symbol currently registered in respect of a political party.

The Commission remains fully committed to ensuring a transparent, fair, and orderly electoral process in line with the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, 2016.

As you are aware, the regulatory framework strictly requires that symbols allocated to political parties and independent candidates be entirely distinct in order to eliminate any potential voter confusion on the ballot paper.

To uphold the clarity of the ballot and protect the distinct identity of every candidate, the Commission is undertaking a standardisation exercise in all affected areas.

You are therefore required to take the following immediate actions:

1. Candidate Engagement
Immediately contact any independent candidate within your jurisdiction
who has been assigned the “Candle” symbol.

2. Alternative Selection @ electoral commission of zambia Formally advise the affected independent candidate(s) to select an alternative symbol from the approved Register of Symbols. The selected symbol must not resemble any symbol already assigned to a political party or any symbol chosen by another candidate within the district, constituency, or ward.

3. Deadline

All replacement symbol choices must be formally processed and submitted to Headquarters no later than Wednesday, 10’h June 2026.

1. Default Allocation

Clearly inform the affected independent candidate (s) that if an alternative
symbol is not submitted by the stated deadline, the Commission shall exercise its legal mandate to allocate a distinct symbol to facilitate the candidate’s inclusion on the ballot paper without delay.

This is in accordance with Regulation 8(6) of the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, which empowers the Chief Electoral Officer to allocate and register a symbol for use in an election.

This measure is an important safeguard intended to protect the interests of
candidates and to ensure that voters can easily and accurately identify their
preferred candidates on polling day.
Please handle this engagement with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and
diplomacy.

Your cooperation and timely action in this matter are highly appreciated and will contribute significantly to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

For further information or clarification, please contact the Acting Manager
Elections, Mr. Mataa Sikota, on mobile number 0975077784, or the Principal
Electoral Officer, Mr. Steve Nyondo Sintufya, on 0977600444.