July 20, 2026-The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has today commenced the final Election Officials’ Training Workshop at Teja Executive Lodge and Sali Resort in Mansa as part of its continued preparations for the 13th August 2026 General Elections.
The workshop has brought together Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Technical Support Officers and District Election Trainers from Chifunabuli, Samfya, Chilubi, Kaputa and Nchelenge districts.
The training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of key election officials who will oversee electoral operations and facilitate the training of frontline poll staff in their respective districts.
Speaking during the official opening of the workshop, Mansa District Electoral Officer Dr. Josephine Mwanza emphasized the importance of the training in ensuring that election officials are adequately prepared to deliver peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
Dr. Mwanza urged participants to fully dedicate themselves to the training, noting that the knowledge and practical skills they acquire will be instrumental in strengthening the quality of election administration across their respective districts.
She stressed that professionalism, integrity and political neutrality remain fundamental principles that every election official must uphold throughout the electoral process.
She further encouraged participants to ensure strict adherence to established electoral procedures, including polling station opening and closing times, proper voter identification, correct issuance of ballot papers, appropriate use of official election materials, application of inking procedures, accurate vote counting and the proper declaration of results.
Dr. Mwanza also underscored the importance of promoting inclusivity during the electoral process by ensuring that election officials provide appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities, pregnant women and elderly voters, enabling them to exercise their constitutional right to vote with dignity.
The workshop marks the final cohort of election officials to undergo training ahead of the 2026 General Elections and forms part of the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s nationwide preparations to enhance the capacity of election personnel.
Following the training, District Election Trainers will proceed to train frontline poll staff in their respective districts to ensure the successful conduct of the elections.
