The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced a collaboration with Shoprite aimed at enhancing convenience and accessibility for eligible citizens who have not yet registered as voters. Brown Kasaro, the ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, expressed gratitude to Shoprite, commending their involvement as a significant act of corporate social responsibility in supporting a crucial national civic exercise. To ensure the process adheres to professional standards and electoral procedures, the Commission has deployed registration officers to the designated Shoprite outlets. A detailed schedule, outlining all participating Shoprite stores and their operating hours, is slated for public release to guide citizens. The ECZ is actively encouraging all eligible citizens to capitalize on this extended voter registration period.

However, this extended period and the overall voter registration exercise have drawn sharp criticism from politician Kalaba, who, during an appearance on Emmanuel Mwamba’s podcast, argued that the extension was woefully inadequate, suggesting it should have lasted until January 2026. Kalaba highlighted concerns about voter apathy, citing low registration numbers in Lusaka despite its large population. He accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of a deliberate 'gimmick' to weaken regions where they anticipate less support, thereby systematically disenfranchising voters. He noted that the exercise was introduced during the rainy season, presenting logistical challenges for people attempting to reach polling stations.

Kalaba urged the ECZ to act impartially and uphold its duty to ensure every eligible person registers, cautioning against any attempts to appease the sitting government. He contended that if the previous regime had patronized the Electoral Commission in a similar fashion as he alleged President Hakainde Hichilema was doing, Hichilema would not have ascended to power. Kalaba questioned the government's silence on the complaints regarding what he termed a 'voter suppression exercise,' asserting that the ECZ has not behaved properly. He challenged the credibility of ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis and her team, stating that they should not hold their positions if they lack impartiality, emphasizing that the ECZ is not an extension of the UPND. Kalaba supported his claims with personal observations from areas like Mkushi, Luapula, Kabwe, Chingola, and Solwezi, where he alleged the ECZ had failed to provide the necessary registration materials in regions where the UPND is perceived to be less strong.

Beyond voter registration, Kalaba also addressed the issue of cadreism. He charged that the lack of a rebuttal from the Head of State regarding remarks made by Bweengwa Member of Parliament Michelo Kasauta on cadreism indicated presidential blessings for such behavior. Kalaba lamented this as a sad development, especially given that the UPND had campaigned against cadreism, a factor he linked to the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government’s downfall. He criticized Michelo Kasauta’s statements, particularly coming from the President’s constituency, as undermining Hichilema’s promises of ending cadreism and suggested that the UPND would face consequences for reintroducing what the people had rejected.