Central Province Electoral Officer Clint Susiku has urged Technical Clerks and electoral stakeholders to approach the 2026 Delimitation Exercise and the inspection of the Provisional Register of Voters, scheduled for March 2026, with diligence, discipline, and dedication to national service.
Mr Susiku, who is also Provincial Local Government Officer, said the assignment was a critical stage in the electoral process and must be handled professionally.
Speaking during an orientation meeting for Technical Clerks and Electoral Stakeholders, Mr Susiku noted that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) was preparing for two key electoral processes, the 2026 Delimitation Exercise and the inspection of the Provisional Register of Voters, which form the foundation of credible and transparent elections ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election.
“These assignments are not ordinary duties but a national responsibility. The credibility of the 2026 General Election begins with how well we conduct the inspection and delimitation processes,” Mr. Susiku said.
He explained that recent constitutional and legal reforms, including the introduction of additional constituencies and the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system, required officers to fully understand their responsibilities and execute them professionally.
“You must provide clear guidance to citizens, uphold integrity, and ensure every eligible voter is properly accounted for,” he said.
Mr Susiku revealed that in Central Province alone, about 193,000 voters were registered out of an estimated eligible population of 559,360 during the recent mass voter registration exercise.
The Provincial Electoral Officer added that the Commission was currently consolidating and cleaning the Provisional Register of Voters before opening it for public inspection.
“The inspection stage allows members of the public to confirm their details, correct errors, and raise objections where necessary. This is the moment the public validates our work,” he said.
He further outlined that the inspection will be conducted both online and physically at inspection centres across the country.
Online inspection is scheduled from February 22 to March 8, 2026, while physical inspection will take place from March 2 to March 8, 2026 while Certification of the register is set for April 30, 2026.
“All centres must open and close on time. Officers should guide citizens step by step and handle transfers and corrections promptly in accordance with the law,” Mr. Susiku said.
Mr Susiku also explained that voter registration kits have been strategically deployed, and officers must be familiar with their locations to effectively guide members of the public.
“You are the face of the Commission in your communities; therefore, professionalism, patience, and accuracy must define your conduct,” he stated.
He further noted that the Constitution has increased the number of constituencies from 156 to 226 to respond to population growth and enhance equitable representation adding that the commission was expected to create 70 new constituencies and publish them on May 15, 2026.
“The boundaries must reflect geographic and demographic realities. Engage stakeholders openly and ensure all views are properly recorded,” he said.
He further emphasised that the success of the electoral roadmap depended on collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
“These processes are not merely administrative; they safeguard democracy. When done correctly, they strengthen public trust in the electoral system,” Mr. Susiku concluded.
