By MONICA KAYOMBO,Zambia Lusaka
ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has launched a Conflict Management Early Warning System (EWS) and an Online Accreditation System ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election, marking what the Commission says are historic technological advancements aimed at strengthening electoral transparency, efficiency and peace.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said the Early Warning System represents a major shift from the Commission’s traditional reactive approach to dispute management towards proactive conflict prevention.
Mrs Zaloumis noted that while the ECZ has long relied on National and District Conflict Management Committees to address electoral disputes, the new system will enable the Commission to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into conflict.
She described the Early Warning System as the first of its kind in Zambia’s electoral history and said it is designed to ensure adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct, prevent electoral conflicts, manage ongoing disputes and facilitate the speedy resolution of disputes.
The ECZ Chairperson explained that the system uses modern information and communication technologies to identify and map hate speech, rumours and violent incidents while also gathering citizens’ perceptions of risk and highlighting examples of peaceful conduct.
Mrs Zaloumis said members of the public will play a key role in the success of the initiative by reporting threats and incidents directly through the system.
“For maximum accessibility, we have established two primary channels: a web-based platform for those with internet access, and a dedicated USSD code that functions across all mobile networks for citizens in remote areas or without internet data,” she said.
She added that Voter Education Facilitators will serve as frontline users of the platform, reporting incidents and verifying information from communities where they are deployed. According to Mrs Zaloumis, the system has the potential to become a model for other countries seeking to strengthen electoral conflict prevention mechanisms.
On accreditation, the ECZ Chairperson said the Commission has also approved revised accreditation guidelines and an enhanced Online Accreditation System for the 2026 General Election. She said the platform will simplify the accreditation process for election observers, monitors and media personnel by reducing paperwork and improving efficiency.
However, she clarified that applicants will still be required to physically collect their security accreditation cards after completing the online application process.
Mrs Zaloumis further urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new technologies, which also include Voter Verification Devices, saying they will contribute to a transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process.
