ECZ maintains its position regarding markings and validity of ballot papers

252 Views The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has reaffirmed that a ballot paper does not have to be marked with only a cross to be valid, ahead of the August 13 general elections. In a press statement issued on 10th August 2026, ECZ said it noted with concern misleading statements by some stakeholders, including […]

252 Views

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has reaffirmed that a ballot paper does not have to be marked with only a cross to be valid, ahead of the August 13 general elections.

In a press statement issued on 10th August 2026, ECZ said it noted with concern misleading statements by some stakeholders, including political party leaders, regarding how ballots should be marked.

According to the Commission, the marking and validity of ballot papers is provided for under Section 60 (6) (b) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016. The section requires a voter to mark the ballot paper in a manner that clearly indicates the candidate the voter wishes to vote for.

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro explained that while Regulation 33(d) of the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, 2016 instructs voters to use a cross, this must be read together with Regulation 46.

Regulation 46(2)(b) states that a ballot paper marked otherwise than by means of a cross shall not be invalid if the intention of the voter clearly appears on it, and the manner of marking does not identify the voter.

“Therefore, the Commission maintains its earlier position regarding the marking and validity of ballot papers,” the statement reads. “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 and the ballot meets the requirements for validity.”

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

ECZ urged all stakeholders to provide accurate information to the public and to avoid statements that may confuse voters or undermine confidence in the electoral process, particularly during this critical period.

The clarification comes just days before Zambians go to the polls on August 13.