The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is taking decisive action to reassert procedural control in a politically fragmented environment, addressing growing disputes around party registration, leadership legitimacy, and candidate eligibility ahead of upcoming elections. These resolutions reflect the ECZ's proactive stance as an active referee in a complex and contested political field, aiming to prevent disruptions that have historically plagued electoral processes.

Central to the ECZ's updated roadmap is a commitment to engage formally with the Registrar of Societies. This engagement is aimed at addressing concerns regarding the registration of political parties and the failure of some to update details of their office bearers, a critical intervention given the multiple leadership battles currently entangling various parties, notably the Patriotic Front. Furthermore, the Commission will consult the Attorney General to seek legal clarification on a constitutional requirement that mandates presidential candidates to have been ordinarily resident in Zambia, including precise details on the period of residency. This provision has recently gained prominence due to the emergence of diaspora-based aspirants and could serve as a significant legal filter during the nomination phase.

In maintaining the integrity of candidate qualifications, the ECZ has reaffirmed that the verification of Grade 12 certificates for all aspiring candidates will continue to be conducted by the Examinations Council of Zambia. This validation process will utilize both online platforms and physical verification methods, reinforcing efforts to avert disputes related to educational qualifications. Administratively, the roadmap toward nominations has been tightened. Political parties and independent candidates who wish to pre-process their required 100 supporters in provinces must formally notify the Commission and pay presidential nomination fees by April 29, 2026. This measure is designed to decentralize the process and significantly reduce logistical burdens, such as the need to transport supporters to Lusaka.

Moreover, the ECZ has indicated that nomination fees for parliamentary and local government candidates, including Members of Parliament, mayors, council chairpersons, and councillors, remain under review. A final decision on these fees is expected by April 30, 2026, a factor that could influence the number and diversity of candidates participating in the election. To ensure order and prevent disruptions at high-level engagements, the Commission has resolved that attendance at future consultative meetings will be strictly by invitation and limited to credible political parties, following recent tensions where multiple factions from the same parties appeared, raising questions about representation and legitimacy.

Concurrently, specific political parties are outlining their internal processes for candidate selection. The United Party for National Development (UPND), for instance, has issued a notice urging interested candidates to submit their applications by April 30, 2026. This internal process also aligns with the national eligibility requirement for a Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent, along with candidates being registered members of the party in good standing and meeting constitutional requirements for the respective offices.

The UPND has detailed specific application fees for its aspiring candidates. Parliamentary hopefuls are required to pay K10,000 for men, K7,500 for women and youths, and K3,500 for persons with disabilities. Candidates seeking mayoral or council chairperson positions face similar fees of K10,000 for men and K7,500 for women and youths, while persons with disabilities will pay K5,000. For councillor positions, the fees are set at K2,000 for men, K1,000 for women and youths, and K500 for persons with disabilities. Application forms themselves will cost K200 for parliamentary and mayoral candidates and K50 for councillor applicants. Aspiring candidates for parliamentary and mayoral positions must submit their documents at the UPND Secretariat in Lusaka, whereas councillor applicants will submit through provincial party offices, all addressed to the Chairman for Elections and Campaigns, Likando Mulalali.

These comprehensive measures by both the ECZ and political parties like UPND underscore a concerted effort to establish clear guidelines, manage expectations, and ensure a more structured and transparent electoral process leading up to future nominations and elections in Zambia.