On 5 June 2025, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) publicly released the Electoral Reform Technical Committee (ERTC) Report, which includes key recommendations from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The ERTC was established to conduct a comprehensive review of Zambia’s legal and institutional electoral frameworks and to propose reforms. The report reflects input gathered through nationwide consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, including citizens, CSOs, political parties, the church, traditional leaders, and other interest groups. This publication represents a significant step toward enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and public engagement in Zambia’s electoral reform process.
By releasing the report publicly, the Electoral Commission of Zambia demonstrates a willingness to engage transparently with citizens and stakeholders. This move reinforces the principle of an Open and Responsive State, where public institutions make critical governance information accessible to the public. Secondly, civil society organizations (CSOs), especially those working in governance, human rights, and voter education, now have a credible, evidence-based tool to anchor their advocacy. The ERTC Report provides specific recommendations on improving electoral systems, increasing representation of marginalized groups, and reducing by-elections. On the policy front, the report’s recommendations, if taken seriously, could influence the amendment of electoral laws, constituency boundaries, and the conduct of future elections.
The publication of the ERTC Report on 5 June 2025 is part of a broader, ongoing pattern in Zambia that reflects both continuity and evolution in electoral reform processes:
Sequenced and consultative reform approach
This initiative follows the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s launch of the Technical Committee in July 2024, followed by a desk review completed in August 2024.In September and October, the ERTC actively sought written submissions and provincial public hearings, demonstrating systematic efforts to engage various stakeholders. The report marks the culmination of these prior stages.