ECZ Says 2026 Election Results Expected to Be Announced by August 17
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says the results of the August 13, 2026 general elections are expected to be announced by August 17 at the latest.
ECZ Acting Director of Electoral Operations Winner Mwanamoonga said the timeline is an administrative measure adopted by the Commission and is not specifically prescribed by law.
Mr. Mwanamoonga disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lusaka, where he also said the distribution of ballot papers to districts was expected to be completed ahead of polling day.
The distribution of ballot papers has been ongoing as the country prepares for the August 13 elections.
Meanwhile, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has urged political parties, candidates, the media and other stakeholders to guard against the spread of misinformation and disinformation during the final days of the electoral process.
Ms. Zaloumis warned that false information could undermine public confidence in the elections, create unnecessary anxiety and potentially threaten peace.
She noted that election periods traditionally generate heightened public interest, resulting in increased circulation of information across both traditional and digital media platforms.
The ECZ chairperson said the Commission was therefore placing emphasis on providing timely and accurate information to stakeholders to ensure misconceptions are addressed before they gain traction.
She encouraged political parties and other stakeholders to ensure that information shared with their members and supporters is factual and verified.
According to Ms. Zaloumis, the ECZ remains committed to the principles of impartiality, professionalism, accountability and inclusiveness as it conducts the electoral process.
She further called on all stakeholders to maintain mutual respect, cooperation and dialogue as Zambia enters the final days before polling.
The ultimate objective, she said, is to ensure that citizens can exercise their democratic right in a peaceful, orderly and trusted electoral environment.
