ECZ Clarifies Candidate Resignation Deadline
By Arnold Tutu
The Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- says candidates who resigned after July 6, 2026 will still have their names printed on ballot papers for the 2026 General Election, although they will no longer be eligible to contest.
According to a public notice issued by the Commission, July 6, was the administrative cut-off date for receiving candidate resignations to allow the removal of names from ballot papers before printing commenced.
The ECZ says printing of ballot papers for the National Assembly, Mayoral and Council Chairperson, and Councillor elections began on the same day.
The Commission says candidates who submitted their resignations after the deadline, or who resign after that date, will still appear on the ballot papers because the printing process is already underway.
However, it says such candidates will not be eligible to participate in the election, despite their names appearing on the ballot papers.
The ECZ says Local Notices will be issued in areas where ballot papers contain the names of candidates who resigned after the administrative cut-off date.
The notices will inform voters that the affected candidates are no longer eligible to contest the election.
The Commission has advised candidates, political parties and members of the public to take note of the arrangement as preparations for the 2026 General Election continue.
The notice has been issued by Electoral Commission of Zambia Corporate Affairs Manager PATRICIA LUHANGA on behalf of the Commission.