ECZ urges public to rely on official election results

As the nation awaits the outcome of the general elections, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has strongly urged members of the public to rely strictly on official channels for election updates. Speaking at the launch of the National Election Results Centre in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis emphasized that the commission is fully committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and accuracy throughout the entire results collation process. She noted that the electoral body would prioritize meticulous verification over mere speed to safeguard the integrity of the democratic outcome. Mrs. Zaloumis cautioned political parties, candidates, and citizens against depending on unverified rumors, unofficial tallies, or speculative information circulating across social media platforms. With the modern digital landscape increasingly susceptible to artificial intelligence-generated misinformation and manipulated data, the commission underscored the critical importance of waiting for certified constituency results. Stakeholders were reminded that raising any grievances or concerns must strictly follow established legal and administrative procedures rather than resorting to public agitation or unverified digital broadcasts. Furthermore, the ECZ appealed to media institutions to exercise utmost responsibility and professional caution when reporting election outcomes. Broadcasters and publishers have been urged to thoroughly verify all information before dissemination to prevent amplifying false claims that could stoke unnecessary panic or political tension. The period immediately following the closure of polling streams is recognized as a sensitive window where rumors can easily spiral out of control, threatening public peace and national stability. Civil society organizations and election monitors have similarly echoed the call for calm, reminding all political actors that patience is vital while polling stations finalize their returns. The establishment of