CCMG Faults ECZ Over Accreditation Delays

Calls for Transparency in Voter Registration Process

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 27 October 2025 – The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has faulted the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for delays in accrediting observers and lapses in transparency during the first two phases of the 2025 mobile voter registration exercise.

In a statement issued by Peter Mwanangombe, CCMG Programs Director, the organization said logistical setbacks, delayed accreditation, and poor coordination during the early stages of the voter registration process undermined transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Mwanangombe said despite CCMG’s readiness to observe all six phases of the voter registration exercise, the ECZ’s failure to issue timely accreditation to observers hindered full participation in Phase I and delayed monitoring efforts across several districts. He described the situation as a step backward in the transparency of Zambia’s electoral processes.

According to CCMG, the ECZ announced 12 October as the start date for observer accreditation ahead of the voter registration launch on 13 October. However, by the evening of 12 October, only 104 out of 336 observers had been accredited. In 48 districts, Electoral Officers either failed to open offices or lacked accreditation kits, forcing some to issue handwritten or stamped authorization notes. As a result, 30 observers were unable to deploy on the first day, while 17 others were denied access due to lack of accreditation. By the end of Phase II, 305 observers had received ECZ accreditation cards, while the remaining 31 operated with temporary or verbal authorization.

CCMG’s findings further revealed that an average of 11 percent of registration centres did not open during both phases, and 5 percent opened late. In some cases, centres were forced to suspend operations due to power shortages or malfunctioning equipment. The organization attributed these problems to inconsistencies between national and district deployment plans, warning that such discrepancies cause confusion among voters and discourage participation. Despite the challenges, 99 percent of centres had all required materials, although half lacked backup kits, and 10 percent experienced technical failures that temporarily halted registration.

Observers were also denied access to voter registration statistics at the close of the day in 11 percent of centres, which the group said weakened transparency and accountability. Political party presence was minimal, with PF agents in 4 percent, UPND in 5 percent, and other parties in 3 percent of centres. Civil society and faith-based organization observers were present in only 10 percent of centres.

Despite logistical setbacks, CCMG commended ECZ officials for professionalism and strict adherence to procedures. Observers reported full compliance in verifying eligibility, issuing voter cards with photos, and securely storing materials at the end of each day. However, accessibility issues persisted, with 64 percent of centres requiring the use of stairs. Still, 97 percent of centres recorded the type of disability among registrants, and 92 percent gave priority to persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

CCMG also observed that voter education was mainly driven by the ECZ and its Voter Education Facilitators, with 93 percent of centres reporting ECZ-led outreach and 69 percent noting involvement from local media. Only 8 percent of voter education efforts were led by civil society organizations, which the group described as inadequate to reach all eligible voters.

In view of the low turnout recorded in Phases I and II, CCMG urged the ECZ to strengthen communication with the public, enhance planning and coordination with district offices, and ensure consistency between national and district deployment plans. The organization also called on the ECZ to publish disaggregated registration figures for each area after every phase and to release daily registration statistics to all stakeholders to promote transparency.

Mwanangombe emphasized that transparency and effective communication are key to restoring public confidence in the voter registration process. He commended ECZ registration officers for their professionalism and urged all eligible Zambians to visit their nearest registration centres and register to vote.