DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has confirmed that seven parliamentary candidates will contest the 2026 General Election unopposed, as the ballot printing exercise continues ahead of polling day.
Providing an update from Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing LLC in Dubai, ECZ Commissioner MacDonald Chipenzi said the Commission has also recorded six unopposed mayoral candidates and 176 unopposed local government candidates.
According to Mr. Chipenzi, the unopposed candidates comprise seven parliamentary candidates out of 226 constituencies, six mayoral candidates out of 116 districts, and 176 ward candidates out of 1,858 wards.
"The Commission recorded six unopposed candidates for the mayoral elections out of 116 districts, seven unopposed candidates for the National Assembly elections out of 226 constituencies, and 176 unopposed candidates for the local government elections out of 1,858 wards," Mr. Chipenzi said.
He explained that the total number of ballot papers being printed has been adjusted to reflect the seats where candidates were declared unopposed.
Mr. Chipenzi further disclosed that all 9.1 million presidential ballot papers have now been printed.
As of 20 July 2026, the Commission had printed:
7,708,700 ballot papers for 1,542 wards in the local government elections.
6,722,550 ballot papers for 96 districts in the mayoral and council chairperson elections.
6,628,500 ballot papers for 168 constituencies in the National Assembly elections.
He said ballot papers for the remaining 58 constituencies are yet to be printed.
Mr. Chipenzi added that all administrative issues relating to ballot paper proofs have been resolved, allowing the printing process to proceed smoothly.
He assured stakeholders that the Commission has maintained strict security and quality control measures throughout the production process.
"The Commission guarantees the absolute integrity of the printing process, from initial production and packaging to final delivery," he said.
The ECZ Commissioner said the first sealed pallets of ballot papers are expected to leave the printing facility on 24 July, with air transportation to Zambia scheduled to begin on 26 July.
Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), the ballot papers will be verified by stakeholder representatives before distribution across the country.
The Commission said it will continue providing regular updates until the ballot printing exercise is completed.
Source: Mwebantu