The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) has called on media houses, civil society organisations, election monitors, political parties, and independent candidates to take keen interest in the ongoing accreditation process for the 2026 General Election.
CSEIFZ Executive Director, Nakiwe Simpungwe, says accreditation is not a mere formality but a cornerstone of free, fair, and credible elections.
Ms. Simpungwe states that without proper accreditation, stakeholders risk losing the legitimacy and access required to monitor, report, and participate meaningfully in the electoral process.
“CSEIFZ reminds political parties and independent candidates that polling agents will not be accredited through the online system Instead, they must undergo physical accreditation at District Electoral Offices upon submission of the required details”, said Ms. Simpungwe in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Ms. Simpungwe states that this distinction is important, as polling agents play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process at the grassroots level, and their accreditation must be handled with the utmost diligence.
She has since urged all stakeholders to avoid last-minute applications, stating that delays not only strain the system but also risk excluding key actors from participating fully in the election.
By Christabel Kamunu
