The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially launched an online voter pre-registration platform for first-time voters, marking a major step in modernising the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The platform, which went live on Monday, allows eligible citizens to begin the registration process from the comfort of their homes using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
It will remain open from 15 September to 3 November ahead of the nationwide mass voter registration exercise scheduled for 13 October to 11 November.
Designed to reduce long queues at registration centres and streamline voter onboarding, the system enables users to submit their details, upload national ID photos and receive a unique reference number via SMS and email.
Final verification and card collection will take place at designated registration centres.
The initiative targets Zambia’s estimated 3.5 million new voters, part of a broader effort to expand the national voter roll from seven million to 10.5 million by 2026.
ECZ said on its website that the platform could cut registration time by up to 75 percent and improve accessibility for citizens unable to take time off work.
Only first-time voters are eligible to use the online system. Those already registered will need to wait for the physical registration phase to update their details or replace lost cards.
