THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged aspiring Presidential candidates in the country to promote peaceful, issue-based political competition as the nation prepares for the 2026 General Elections. 

ECZ has also called for strict adherence to legal and procedural requirements as well as constructive engagement with the Commission, amongst those aspiring for the presidential office. 

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting with political parties for the 2026 general election ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, reminded participants that elections were not merely contests for power but processes through which the will of the people are expressed.

Ms Zaloumis emphasised that the credibility and integrity of the electoral process depends not only on the Commission’s management but also on the conduct and cooperation of political parties and their candidates.  

She said the meeting was meant to provide an update on the 2026 general election roadmap and to clarify the nomination process for presidential candidates.  

Ms Zaloumis stated that the Commission would guide political parties through nomination qualifications, the pre-processing of supporters, applicable nomination fees, and the nomination timetable. 

The meeting was attended by over 55 presidential aspirants and their party representatives.