- Urges political party leaders to disseminate accurate info
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
THE 2026 general election publicity and voter education campaign has been launched, with Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urging political party leaders to disseminate accurate information to their members.
Ms Zaloumis said political parties should also promote peaceful participation, respect for electoral laws, and uphold democratic values throughout the electoral process.
During the launch of the campaign yesterday under the theme, ‘Count Me In’, Ms Zaloumis said the development marks the beginning of voter education activities in all the 1,858 wards, 116 districts, and 10 provinces of Zambia.
“The commission will be taking publicity and voter education directly to the people, from the bustling centres of our cities to the most remote communities in our nation,” she said.
Ms Zaloumis said the commission’s goal is to ensure that every registered voter has access to clear, accurate, impartial, and timely information about this year’s general election.
She said publicity and voter education are complementary pillars of the campaign.
Ms Zaloumis said while voter education equips citizens with the knowledge they need to effectively participate in any given election, publicity ensures that important electoral information reaches people wherever they are.
“Through the use of radio, television, print media, digital platforms, social media, community outreach activities and stakeholder engagement, the commission will seek to raise awareness, promote understanding and encourage broad participation in the electoral process,” she said.
Ms Zaloumis said an election is managed strongly when people are well informed and understand what is involved.
When citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, they tend to participate with confidence, promote a peaceful electoral environment and make right choices.
She said the phrase ‘count me in’ carries a powerful message as it speaks to every registered voter in the country regardless of gender, disability, social status or political affiliation.
Ms Zaloumis said meaningful elections are not only about voting on polling day, but about ensuring that citizens are informed.
“This campaign places particular emphasis on encouraging participation among young people, women, first-time voters, persons with disabilities, and all other groups that have sometimes been under-represented in electoral processes,” she said…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
