RE: ECZ RESCHEDULING OF PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FEES DATE – CORRECT DECISION, QUESTIONABLE MOTIVE
Citizens First has taken note of the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) decision to reschedule the payment of presidential nomination fees to “a date to be agreed upon by stakeholders.”
As a matter of electoral practice, this is a welcome and correct decision. A credible election requires reasonable timelines that allow all players to participate. On that principle, we commend the Commission.
However, we are compelled to state the obvious: this flexibility did not arise from the written complaints submitted by opposition political parties and civil society over the past months. Those concerns were not acknowledged. No stakeholder meeting was called.
The record is clear. ECZ only moved to reschedule after the UPND failed to hold its elective convention by the date it publicly set for itself, and it became logistically impossible for the ruling party to meet the original calendar. That is when “consultation” suddenly became necessary.
That sequence of events is damaging to the Commission’s standing. It feeds the perception that ECZ responds to the ruling party’s difficulties, not to the law or to all stakeholders equally. In an election year, perception shapes confidence. And confidence, once lost, is difficult to restore before 13th August 2026.
Let us be clear: Citizens First is ready. Our national convention was held in full compliance with the law. Our candidates are adopted. Our nomination fees are secured. We do not require shifting goalposts to participate.
But Zambia requires an ECZ that is impartial in both fact and appearance. Article 229 of the Constitution mandates the Commission to act “without fear, favour or prejudice.” It does not say “without inconvenience to the ruling party.”
We therefore call upon ECZ to take three immediate steps to restore confidence:
1. Publish the basis for rescheduling the nomination date, so all political parties understand the rules applied.
2. *Convene the stakeholder meeting within 7 days with a public agenda, and circulate minutes to all parties.
3. Commit publicly that no further changes to the electoral calendar will be made except through written agreement of all stakeholders.
It is our sincere view that ECZ can still deliver a credible election. That outcome depends on consistent, professional conduct from today until polling day. The Commission must remember: you do not work for UPND. You work for 20 million Zambians.
We urge the Church, the Law Association of Zambia, civil society, and international observers to remain vigilant.
Citizens First remains committed to a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election on 13th August 2026. We will be on the ballot. We will be ready.
Issued by:
Stanley Mhango
Presidential Campaign Manager and MCC
Citizens First