# 2026 Zambian general election preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-zambian-general-election-preparations
> Updated: 2026-08-09T16:20:36.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In preparation for the general election scheduled for August 13, 2026, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has finalized the distribution of ballot papers and completed training for 81,000 polling staff. The commission addressed misinformation regarding smuggled fake ballots and hosted observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to monitor logistics and security.

As the election approached, the ECZ issued guidance on valid ballot marking, stating that any single clear mark is acceptable as long as it remains within a candidate's designated area. The commission also clarified that voters with artificial nails would not be barred from voting, instructing officers to apply indelible ink to both the nail base and surrounding skin to maintain voting protocols.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Electoral Commission of Zambia clarifies ballot marking rules

The Electoral Commission of Zambia clarified that any single, clear mark on a ballot is valid and dismissed rumors that artificial nails would prevent citizens from voting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electoral-commission-of-zambia-clarifies-ballot-marking-rules

### 2026-08-07: Zambia's Electoral Commission completes ballot distribution ahead of Aug 13, 2026 election

Zambia's Electoral Commission finished ballot distribution for the Aug 13, 2026 election, dismissed fake‑ballot claims, warned against misinformation, and set result announcement for Aug 17 after training 81, k

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zambias-electoral-commission-completes-ballot-distribution-ahead-of-aug-13-2026-election

---
Cite as: 2026 Zambian general election preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-zambian-general-election-preparations