No Voter Should Be Left Out



Civil society urges all eligible citizens to use the extended registration period to safeguard democracy.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (14 November 2025) – The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure transparency, efficiency, and readiness in conducting voter registration, warning that any shortcomings could undermine confidence in the 2026 general elections.

CSEIFZ Chairperson Solomon Ngoma said the ECZ’s 15-day extension of the voter registration exercise is not enough to guarantee that all eligible citizens, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities, are included on the voter roll.

“Many Zambians still face challenges accessing registration centers due to distance, limited resources, and logistical constraints,” Ngoma said.

The civil society group also expressed concern over the apparent lack of preparedness by the ECZ, emphasizing that elections are the cornerstone of democracy. “Transparency is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation of the Commission,” Ngoma added.

CSEIFZ called on the ECZ to engage political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders consistently. The group stressed the importance of providing timely updates, sharing accurate registration data, and addressing concerns promptly to foster public trust.

Media professionals were also highlighted as a key group, with CSEIFZ urging media houses to allow their permanent staff adequate time to register to vote, citing the critical role journalists play in shaping public opinion and safeguarding democracy.

The forum reiterated its commitment to monitoring and reporting on the conduct of the ECZ and other stakeholders to ensure that Zambia’s elections meet international standards of credibility and fairness.

Ngoma encouraged all eligible citizens to use the extended registration period, warning that no voter should be excluded from participating.

“The 2026 general elections are a test of our collective commitment to democracy, justice, and national unity,” Ngoma said.


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