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Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to uphold transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the ongoing nationwide voter registration exercise.
The ECZ has launched a mass registration exercise aimed at capturing about 3.5 million new voters ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, TI-Z Acting Executive Director, Raymond Mutale, commended the ECZ for initiating the process but raised concerns over the short timeframe, limited public awareness, and accessibility challenges.
“While we welcome the commencement of voter registration, we urge the ECZ to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, integrity, impartiality, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in deploying registration kits across the country,” Mutale said.
He expressed concern over the ambitious one-month timeframe to register the targeted number of voters, noting that logistical and technical challenges could hinder the process, especially in remote areas.
“The use of backup generators, battery-powered registration kits, and mobile registration units — as implemented in countries like South Africa and Ghana — can help mitigate disruptions and ensure no eligible voter is left out,” he said.
Mutale recommended that the ECZ consider extending the registration period to accommodate regional disparities and logistical constraints.
He also highlighted reports from areas such as Mtendere indicating limited public awareness about the ongoing exercise, warning that many citizens may miss the opportunity to register if communication efforts are not strengthened.
Mutale urged the ECZ to intensify public sensitization campaigns through community radio, social media, traditional leaders, and civil society partnerships.
He further stressed that voter registration must respect the right of every eligible citizen to vote without discrimination based on race, sex, language, religion, or social status.
“Special attention must be paid to prevent indirect disenfranchisement, particularly of women, youth, and marginalized communities,” Mutale said.
He called on the ECZ, government, political parties, civil society, and the media to work together in ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and credible voter registration process that upholds Zambia’s democratic values.
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