By Joseph Mapalo Kamanga
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has encountered critical administrative and security hurdles during the ongoing nomination process for the upcoming Presidential, National Assembly, and Local Government elections.
The Commission revealed that it has detected multiple instances where two or more aspiring candidates from the exact same political party have presented competing adoption certificates for a single elective position.
In response to the adoption disputes, the ECZ has directed all affected political parties and their respective candidates to return to their internal party structures to resolve the nomination clashes. The electoral body emphasized that only one legally vetted and duly adopted candidate must be presented for each contested seat in absolute compliance with regular electoral procedures.
Meanwhile, outbreaks of political violence have forced the Commission to take emergency measures in several hotspots across the country.
The ECZ confirmed that nomination processes have been temporarily suspended in specific areas where physical clashes and disturbances were recorded.
The commission stated that the suspension was necessary as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives of Commission field staff, aspiring candidates, media personnel, and members of the general public.
In a follow-up statement, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro strongly condemned the electoral violence and reminded political parties and their supporters to adhere strictly to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Mr Kasaro reiterated that the Commission remains fully committed to delivering a credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process, adding that the ECZ is collaborating closely with state security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining nominations nationwide.
©️Zambia Reports, May 22, 2026