The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has denied allegations that a draft Statutory Instrument introducing biometric voting is already sitting with the Ministry of Justice, ready for approval.
ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro, says the allegations are unfounded, misleading, and aimed at creating unnecessary public anxiety.
Mr. Kasaro states that , the process of amending any Act of Parliament cannot be undertaken unilaterally by the Commission, saying such changes follow a defined legislative process which involves among other things, stakeholder consultations, Cabinet approval, presentation of a Bill before Parliament and Parliamentary debate and enactment before assent by the Republican President.
“The committee held public sittings in all provincial centers to gather submissions from a wide range of stakeholders and this process formed the basis of a comprehensive review of Zambia’s electoral framework,” said Mr. Kasaro in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said that following this work, the Commission on 5th June 2025, announced the publication of the Electoral Reform Technical Committee (ERTC) Report, a public document that captures recommendations on the legal and administrative reforms required within the current electoral system.
Mr. Kasaro said that the ERTC process was conducted transparently, with all stakeholders invited to make submissions which underscores the Commission’s commitment to lawful and inclusive engagement in electoral reform processes.
“The Commission wishes to restate its position, as communicated last year, that there will be no electronic voting during the 2026 General Election”, said Mr. Kasaro.
He has since called upon all stakeholders, including political party leaders, not to drag the Commission into politics and desist from spreading misinformation that can erode public confidence in the electoral process.
By Christabel Kamunu
