ECZ says candidates who withdraw after July 6 will remain on ballot papers
Candidates who withdraw from Zambia’s 2026 General Election after July 6 will still have their names printed on ballot papers, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced, citing the commencement of ballot printing as the administrative cut-off for removing candidates from the election materials.
Lusaka, 9 July- In a public notice issued today, the Commission said July 6, 2026, marked the final date for receiving candidate resignations for purposes of deleting names from ballot papers for the National Assembly, Mayoral or Council Chairperson, and Councillor elections.
ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga said the deadline coincided with the start of the ballot printing process, making it impossible to accommodate any subsequent withdrawals.
“The Commission hereby informs all candidates and the general public that 6th Jul was the administrative cut-off date for the receipt of candidate resignations for purposes of removing candidates’ names from the ballot papers,” Luhanga said.
She clarified that any candidate who submitted a resignation after the deadline, or who chooses to resign after July 6, will no longer be eligible to contest the election, even though their name will still appear on the printed ballot paper
To avoid confusion among voters, the Commission said it will issue local notices wherever a ballot paper contains the name of a candidate who has since withdrawn from the race.
“The Commission therefore advises members of the public that where a ballot paper contains the name of a candidate who has subsequently resigned, a Local Notice will be issued to clarify that such candidate is no longer eligible to contest the election,” Luhanga said.
The ECZ has urged candidates, political stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the administrative arrangements as preparations for the 2026 General Election continue.
©Nkanionline 2026 #NewsOnDemand