ECZ Sets April 15 for Presidential Nomination Fees as Election Calendar Advances

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set April 15, 2026 as the start date for payment of presidential nomination fees, clarifying that the measure applies only to aspiring presidential candidates and not to other elective positions. The Commission says the date has been designated to facilitate pre-processing of supporters for presidential candidates at provincial centres, allowing candidates to complete part of the nomination process outside Lusaka. Under electoral requirements, presidential candidates must be supported by at least 100 registered voters from each province. The pre-processing arrangement is designed to manage that requirement more efficiently by decentralising verification procedures. Candidates for National Assembly, mayoral and council positions will not pay nomination fees at that stage and are instead required to do so after the dissolution of Parliament and councils. The Commission emphasises that the dates and procedures were communicated in the 2026 General Election Roadmap.