ECZ Trains Poll Staff for Chawama By-Election

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has commenced intensive training for 666 poll staff ahead of the Chawama constituency by-election scheduled for January 15, 2026.

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, speaking at the training opening on Thursday, emphasised that the Commission will not permit party cadres to manage elections, insisting on strict impartiality throughout the electoral process.

"As poll staff, you are the frontline custodians of this process," Zaloumis told trainees. "Voters will depend on you to guide them, and your conduct will directly uphold the integrity and fairness of the election."

The five-day training programme is designed to equip staff with knowledge of electoral laws, practical skills, and procedures necessary for managing the 111 polling stations across Chawama constituency. Trainees were instructed to remain neutral, treat every voter with dignity, and consult supervisors when uncertain rather than making independent decisions.

Zaloumis highlighted the challenge of social media misinformation, urging trained staff to serve as ECZ ambassadors in their communities. "There's a lot of misinformation through social media claiming polling stations exist where they don't. You can help us dispel these falsehoods," she said.

The Chairperson stressed the constitutional imperative driving the election timeline, noting that by-elections must be completed before February 30, 2026—six months ahead of the August 13, 2026 deadline.

Poll staff were also briefed on their critical role during vote counting, which will occur transparently before polling agents, monitors, and observers. Zaloumis urged trainees to remain attentive throughout the programme to ensure thorough understanding of all procedures.