Zambia has begun preparations for its 2026 General Election by learning from Kenya’s experience in managing elections. On Tuesday, January 13, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya hosted a delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Nairobi.
The visit is a peer learning tour meant to help Zambia prepare for its elections scheduled for August 13, 2026. It comes at an important time, following recent changes to Zambia’s constitution that introduced a new electoral system known as Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR).
The MMPR system combines two voting methods. One part uses the traditional First Past the Post system, where candidates win by getting the most votes in their constituencies. The second part uses proportional representation to ensure fair inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in Parliament and local councils.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon welcomed the Zambian delegation and thanked them for choosing Kenya as a learning partner. He said IEBC is committed to sharing knowledge and working closely with other electoral bodies in the region to strengthen democracy and promote credible elections.
During the visit, the Zambian team is expected to learn about Kenya’s electoral system design, use of technology in elections, voter registration processes, dispute resolution mechanisms, and strategies for inclusive participation.
The visit reflects growing cooperation among African electoral bodies as countries reform their systems to improve representation, transparency, and public trust in elections.
Overall, the exchange aims to help Zambia conduct a more inclusive, transparent, and well-managed election in 2026, while strengthening regional collaboration in democratic governance.
