By MONICA KAYOMBO, Zambia, Lusaka,
AS Zambia prepares for the 2026 General Election, stakeholders have emphasized the critical role of training electoral staff in safeguarding the credibility, transparency, and integrity of the country’s democratic processes.
This came to the fore during the official launch of the District wlection Staff Training Workshop on Nominations, held in Lusaka on Saturday, where electoral officers from across the country gathered to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing one of the most sensitive phases of the electoral cycle.
The nominations stage, often overlooked by the general public, is widely regarded by experts as the foundation upon which credible elections are built. It is at this stage that candidates are verified, documentation is scrutinized, and compliance with electoral laws is ensured processes that, if mishandled, can have far-reaching consequences for the entire election.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission ( ECZ) Mwangala Zaloumis underscored the significance of the training, describing it as a timely and necessary intervention ahead of the upcoming polls. She noted that the competence and preparedness of electoral officers directly influence public confidence in the electoral system.
“The nominations process is one of the most critical stages of any election. It sets the tone for the credibility and legality of the entire process. This training is designed to equip officers with the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out their duties effectively and in strict adherence to the law, ” she said.
Participants at the workshop included Provincial Electoral Officers, District Electoral Officers, Returning Officers, and Assistant Returning officers and key personnel responsible for implementing electoral procedures at local level.
She said the role of the electoral officers places them at the frontline of the electoral process, making their training not only important but indispensable.
Throughout the workshop, officers engaged in a series of practical sessions, discussions, and simulations aimed at deepening their understanding of nomination procedures.
Key focus areas included candidate qualifications and disqualifications, proper documentation, legal compliance, and the handling of electoral offences during the nomination period.
According to facilitators, one of the primary objectives of the training is to ensure uniformity in the application of electoral procedures across all districts. Inconsistencies in interpretation or implementation, they warned, can lead to disputes, legal challenges, and erosion of public trust.
“Elections are not just about voting day. They are about every step that leads up to that day. If the nominations process is flawed, it can undermine the legitimacy of the entire election,” one facilitator explained.
Participants echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the training had broadened their understanding of the complexities involved in managing nominations.
One district officer noted that prior to the training, certain aspects of the nomination process were often misunderstood or handled differently across regions. “This workshop has helped us align our approach and ensure that we are all working with the same understanding,” That consistency is what builds fairness,” the officer said.
The training also highlighted the high level of public, political, and media scrutiny that surrounds the nominations process. Electoral officers were urged to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and strict adherence to the law in all their actions.
“Any error, however small, can be magnified and may lead to disputes,” the Chairperson cautioned.
“You must conduct yourselves in a manner that inspires confidence and demonstrates integrity,” she added.
Beyond technical knowledge, the workshop emphasized the importance of soft skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making under pressure.
Through simulated scenarios, participants were exposed to real-life challenges they are likely to encounter during nominations, including disputes over candidate eligibility and incomplete documentation.
The exercises provided officers with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in controlled environments, helping them build confidence and competence.
Observers have noted that such capacity-building initiatives are essential not only for electoral officials but for the broader democratic landscape as well-trained electoral workforce contributes to peaceful elections and reduces the likelihood of conflict through strengthened institutional credibility.
Civil society Organisations ( CSOs) have also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step towards enhancing electoral integrity in Zambia.
“Training like this is crucial,” said one governance expert. “When electoral officers understand the law and apply it consistently, it reduces suspicion and builds trust among political players and the public.”
The ripple effects of the training extend beyond the officers themselves.
As they return to their respective districts, participants are expected to implement what they have learned and, in some cases, train other staff members. This creates a multiplier effect, ensuring that knowledge and best practices are disseminated widely across the country.
For ordinary citizens, the impact of such training may not always be immediately visible. However, its significance becomes evident in the smooth conduct of electoral processes, the fair treatment of candidates, and the overall credibility of election outcomes.
Analysts argue that trust in elections is not built overnight but is the result of consistent adherence to rules, transparency in processes, and professionalism among those entrusted with managing them.
As Zambia continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, initiatives like the District Election Staff Training Workshop play a vital role in reinforcing the foundations of governance.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ) has reiterated its commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, noting that the success of this mission largely depends on the dedication and integrity of its staff.
“This training is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that every election is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people,” the Chairperson said.
With the 2026 General Election on the horizon, the focus now shifts to implementation.
For Zambia, the stakes are high but so too is the resolve.
If the lessons from this training are effectively applied, stakeholders believe the country will be well-positioned to deliver an election that not only meets legal requirements but also earns the confidence of its citizens.
ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis
