ECZ: Ballots still valid if not marked with a cross, as long as voter intent is clear.

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Aug. 10, 2026, maintained that ballot papers will be considered valid even if they are not marked with a cross, provided the voter’s choice is clear. In a press statement, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the Commission noted "misleading statements" by some stakeholders, including political party leaders,

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THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Aug. 10, 2026, maintained that ballot papers will be considered valid even if they are not marked with a cross, provided the voter’s choice is clear.

In a press statement, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the Commission noted “misleading statements” by some stakeholders, including political party leaders, on ballot marking and validity.

Citing Section 60(6)(b) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, Kasaro said the law requires voters to “mark the ballot paper in a way that indicates the candidate the voter wishes to vote for.” The law does not prescribe a cross as the only valid mark.

ECZ also referenced Regulation 46(2)(b) of the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, 2016, which states a ballot “otherwise than by means of the cross, shall not by that reason be invalid” if voter intent is clear and the mark does not identify the voter.

“Voters are instructed to use a cross, but the absence of a cross does not, by itself, make a ballot invalid. What matters is whether the voter’s intention is clear,” the statement said.

The Commission added that this has been the practice since 2006 and is “neither a new position nor a new interpretation of the law.”

ECZ urged stakeholders to provide accurate information to avoid confusing voters or undermining confidence in the electoral process ahead of the Aug. 13 general election.

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