The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed reports suggesting that nomination fees for all candidates in the August 2026 General Election are due on April 15, 2026.

In a press statement issued to ZANIS by Electoral Commission of Zambia Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, the Commission said the April 15 date applies only to aspiring presidential candidates and not to those contesting parliamentary, mayoral, chairperson, or councillor positions.

Mr Kasaro explained that the payment of nomination fees by presidential candidates before the dissolution of Parliament is not a new practice.

He noted that the same approach was used during the 2016 and 2021 general elections to streamline the nomination process.

Mr Kasaro said the April 15, 2026 date marks the commencement of payment of Presidential Nomination Fees to allow for the pre-processing of supporters in provincial centres.

Mr Karaso noted that the measure is administrative and meant to ease logistical challenges, particularly the cost of transporting at least 1,000 supporters to Lusaka, as required by law for presidential candidates.

Meanwhile, Mr Karaso disclosed that the Commission is scheduled to meet aspiring presidential candidates and their representatives on April 17, 2026, to discuss modalities for the pre-processing of supporters and payment of nomination fees.