Electoral Commission of Zambia clarifies ballot marking rules

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has provided clarifications regarding valid ballot marking procedures for upcoming elections. Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro stated that while voter education campaigns traditionally use an 'X', any single, clear mark is acceptable, provided it is restricted to a specific candidate's area and does not cross over to another.

To avoid invalidating a ballot, the ECZ warned voters not to write names or initials on the paper. The commission also addressed rumors regarding artificial nails, clarifying that voters with decorated or artificial nails will not be denied their right to vote. Polling officers have been instructed to apply indelible ink to both the base of the nail and the surrounding skin to ensure compliance with voting protocols.