Establishment

The Electoral Commission of Zambia is established under Article 229 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016. The Commission came into existence as an Electoral Management Body (EMB) in 1996.

In accordance with Article 229 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, the Commission has the mandate to carry out the following functions:

  • implement the electoral process;
  • conduct elections and referenda;
  • register voters;
  • settle minor electoral disputes, as prescribed;
  • regulate the conduct of voters and candidates;
  • accredit observers and election agents, as prescribed;
  • delimit electoral boundaries; and
  • perform such other functions as prescribed

Statutory Mandate 

The Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 empowers the Commission with the following statutory functions to:

  • make regulations providing for the registration of voters and for the manner of conducting elections;
  • constitute conflict management committees and appoint conflict management officers for purposes of resolving electoral disputes;
  • administer and enforce the Electoral Process Act, and the Electoral Code of Conduct;
  • correct mistakes committed by electoral officers in the tabulation of results within seven days of the declaration of the results;
  • disqualify a political party or candidate in breach of the Code; and
  • provide voter education.