ECZ says candidates who withdraw after July 6 will remain on ballot papers

LUSAKA – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has issued a crucial directive regarding candidate withdrawals for the upcoming 2026 General Election, stating that any candidate who opts to withdraw after July 6 will nonetheless have their name printed on the final ballot papers. This pronouncement, made by the electoral body, is designed to bring greater clarity and stability to the pre-election period, preventing potential confusion and logistical challenges that could arise from late withdrawals. The ECZ's decision is rooted in the practicalities of printing millions of ballot papers, a process that requires significant lead time and resources. Late changes to the candidate list can lead to substantial costs, delays, and potential legal disputes, undermining the smooth conduct of elections. By setting a firm deadline, the Commission aims to ensure that once the printing process commences, the integrity of the ballot papers remains uncompromised, and voters are presented with a definitive list of contenders on election day. This move is particularly significant in the Zambian political landscape, where candidate movements, including defections and withdrawals, are not uncommon in the run-up to major elections. Historically, such last-minute shifts have sometimes caused public confusion and logistical headaches for the ECZ. The July 6 deadline therefore serves as a critical cut-off point, compelling political parties and independent candidates to finalise their candidacies well in advance and manage their internal processes more diligently. Stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate, are urged to take note of this directive. For political parties, it means a heightened responsibility to vet their candidates thoroughly and ensure their commitment before the deadline. For voters, it implies that while a candidate may publicly announce their withdrawal after July 6, their name will still be visible on the ballot, po