ECZ Explains Ballot Paper Arrangements for Candidates Who Withdraw After Deadline

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced that candidates who withdrew from the 2026 General Election after 6 July 2026 will remain on the ballot papers, although they will no longer be recognised as eligible contestants.

In a public notice, the Commission stated that 6 July served as the administrative deadline for receiving candidate withdrawals. The cut-off was necessary to allow sufficient time for amendments before ballot papers were sent for printing.

The ECZ confirmed that printing of ballot papers for the National Assembly, mayoral, council chairperson and councillor elections commenced on 6 July, making it impossible to remove the names of candidates who withdrew after that date.

As a result, any candidate who submitted a resignation after the deadline will still appear on the ballot paper, despite no longer being permitted to stand in the election.

To minimise confusion among voters, the Commission said Local Notices will be displayed in affected constituencies and wards where ballot papers include the names of withdrawn candidates. These notices will clearly inform voters that the individuals concerned are no longer eligible to contest the election.

The ECZ has urged candidates, political parties and the general public to take note of the arrangements as preparations for the 2026 General Election progress.

The statement was issued on behalf of the Commission by ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga.