The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has extended the ongoing mass voter registration exercise by 15 days following an impressive turnout that saw 758,251 new voters added to the roll.
Announcing the extension in Lusaka yesterday, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, SC, said the decision followed verified field assessments conducted across all provinces.
“The obtaining circumstances warrant an extension of the registration period,” she said. “The extended period will commence tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th November 2025, and run until Wednesday, 26th November 2025.”
Ms Zaloumis emphasised that the adjustment had been carefully aligned to ensure it does not disrupt the 2026 General Election timetable.
“As guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, the date of the General Election is fixed and cannot be moved,” she said. “The extension has therefore been accommodated within the existing electoral framework to ensure that the roadmap remains intact.”
She urged all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to take advantage of the extra days, warning that no further extensions were anticipated.
“We are calling upon all eligible citizens to register early and not wait until the last day,” Ms Zaloumis advised. “This also applies to those who have relocated, lost their voter’s cards, or wish to update their details.”
Meanwhile, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro announced that the Commission had recorded significant progress in both new registrations and updates.
“A total of 758,251 new voters have been registered across Phases One to Five — comprising 405,805 females and 352,446 males,” he said.
Mr Kasaro added that 881,206 voter updates — including transfers and card replacements — were also processed, bringing the total number of transactions to 1,639,457.
“It is important to note that while the total number of transactions reflects overall registration activity, the number of new registrations represents individuals newly added to the voters’ roll,” he explained.
Mr Kasaro reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and regular public updates throughout the process.
“The Commission will continue to provide timely updates on the registration exercise in the spirit of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness,” he said.
The ECZ has since called on political parties, civil society, and all stakeholders to encourage wider participation to ensure no eligible voter is left behind.
By Kucalo Reporter
Picture: ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis
