Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, has officially launched a five-day intensive training programme for poll staff ahead of the Chawama Constituency Parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026.
Speaking at the official opening, Ms. Zaloumis underscored the central role poll staff play in the electoral process, describing them as the custodians of credibility, transparency and integrity of the election.
She says that the conduct of a by-election is a complex and demanding exercise that requires the highest levels of professionalism, neutrality and confidentiality, noting that the performance of poll staff will have a lasting impact on public confidence in the outcome of the Chawama poll.
The Chairperson explained that the training is designed to fully equip officers with the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to competently manage polling, counting and results management in full view of election stakeholders, including agents, monitors and observers.
Ms. Zaloumis further reminded the participants that as frontline officers, voters will rely on them for guidance and fairness throughout the process and appealed to them to strictly adhere to established procedures, uphold the electoral code of conduct and remain calm under pressure.
She also called on trainers to impart comprehensive and practical knowledge during the five-day programme, stressing that the training sets the tone for the successful conduct of the Chawama Parliamentary by-election.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
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