With just over two months before Zambia heads to the polls, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has unveiled new digital systems aimed at strengthening transparency, preventing electoral conflict, and improving election management ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election.
Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis says the Commission has introduced a first of its kind Conflict Management Early Warning System aimed at shifting the country’s electoral process from reactive dispute resolution to proactive conflict prevention.
She says unlike previous elections where conflict management mechanisms largely responded after formal complaints were made, the new system will help identify and address threats before they escalate.
Mrs. Zaloumis explained that the Early Warning System will enable citizens to report incidents such as hate speech, rumours, violence, and other potential threats to peaceful elections through a web-based platform and a dedicated USSD code accessible across all mobile networks, including for citizens in remote areas without internet access.
She adds that Voter Education Facilitators deployed across wards will also play a frontline role in reporting and verifying incidents on the ground.
The ECZ Chairperson further announced the launch of an enhanced Online Accreditation System for election observers, monitors, and the media, describing it as another historic first aimed at streamlining the accreditation process through an efficient and transparent digital platform.
However, she clarified that applicants will still be required to physically collect their final security accreditation cards after completing online applications.
Additionally, Mrs. Zaloumis said the Commission is set to fully deploy Voter Verification Devices at polling stations across the country to ensure voter verification remains seamless, secure, and accurate as part of efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the 2026 General Election.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
