ECZ Confirms 2021 Voter Cards Remain Valid for 2026 Elections

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says citizens who voted in 2021 or hold valid voter cards do not need to re-register during the upcoming mass registration exercise.

The ECZ will begin mass voter registration on 13 October, covering all 156 constituencies across the country.

Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro told Diamond TV that the commission has suspended its continuous registration programme in 30 districts to focus on the nationwide exercise.

"If you've already registered during the continuous registration, no need to register; if you voted in the 2021 general election... no need to re-register," Mr Kasaro said.

The only exception is for voters who have relocated and wish to change their polling station, who can apply for a transfer during the mass registration.

Mr Kasaro said the commission has budgeted over one billion Kwacha for the mass registration exercise and has received parliamentary approval for supplementary funding.

The commission is also procuring transport services to ensure equipment reaches polling stations on time.

"We are currently in the budgeting process for the financial year for 2026... we are engaging, we've put across our proposals to adequately provide for this exercise," he said.