ECZ Will Not Extend 30-Day Voter Registration

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said it will not extend the voter registration period beyond the currently allotted 30 days.

The commission’s CEO, Patrick Nshindano, said this was in order to complete preparations in time for next August’s elections, the date of which is guaranteed by the constitution.

Mr Nshindano said the ECZ is currently undergoing training exercises and setting up equipment to facilitate the votes of an estimated nine million Zambians. 

Speaking to ZNBC News, Mr Nshindano urged Zambians to register for the election in a timely fashion, as well as instructing stakeholders to inform citizens on the importance of voting. 

The ECZ has come under heavy criticism in recent weeks, not only for its controversial election timetable but equally for a hike in nomination fees. The fee to register as a male parliamentary candidate has increased from K7,500 to K25,000; while female and youth candidates are expected to pay K20,000.

The price hike has prompted condemnation from across the political spectrum. UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema called the increased fees “totally unacceptable”, arguing that it limited politics as the preserve of only the richest in society.