Zambia
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution of Zambia 2006, Article 77.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:32:15 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
e. Geographic size of district
g. Other
Comments: g. Provided that the constituencies shall be so delimited that there shall be at least ten constituencies in each administrative Province
Source: Constitution of Zambia 2006, Article 77.
Last updated: 2007-10-12 07:29:19 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Sydney Letsholo
b. Job Title: Research Assistant
c. Organisation: EISA
d. Contact Address. 14 Park Road, Richmond, Johannesburg, South Africa
e. Telephone: 0027-11-4825495
f. Facsimile: 0027-11-4826163
g. Email: sydney@eisa.org.za
Last updated: 2006-10-16 15:57:49 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:00:47 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Comments: b) The 1967 Referendum Act.
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:07:16 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:07:16 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:07:16 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:07:16 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:07:16 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Comments: a) The Constitution of Zambia. b) The 1967 Referendum Act.
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:47:30 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:08:22 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:08:22 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:08:22 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:08:22 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1967
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:08:22 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1967
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:09:01 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: "[...] there is hereby established a Referendum Commission (thereinafter in this Act referred to as "the Commission") for the purpose of supervising the conduct of any referendum held pursuant to section two)"
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:13:07 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
b. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:36:51 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:39:38 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:42:33 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
k. None
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:42:33 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:42:33 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:42:33 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
c. President
Comments: "The President may, if in his opinion it is necessary or desirable so to do by statuary order direct that a referendum be held on any questions specified in the order."
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:42:33 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
f. Other (specify who)
Comments: f) The Referendum Commission.
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:43:52 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:45:42 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: e) The Referendum Commission
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:45:42 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:45:42 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Source: The 1967 Referendum Act
Last updated: 2006-10-16 16:45:42 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Commission of Zambia
b. Full Address Elections House, Haile Selassie Avenue, P.O. Box 50274, Longacres Lusaka, Zambia
c. Telephone (+260) 1 253155 and 1 253157
d. Facsimile (+260) 1 253884 / 1 257274
e. Email elections@electcom.org.zm
f. Website Address http:///www.elections.org.zm/
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Justice Irene C Mambilima
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Source: Electoral Commission of Zambia 2006 "Contacts", [www] http://www.elections.org.zm/contacts.html
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:29:24 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Comments: The Local Government Elections Act does not specify that the commission that administers local government elections be the same as that that administers national elections, but in practice they are the same.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 2006, Article 76; Electoral Act 2006, 14; Local Government Elections Act, Cap 282, 3. See also Electoral Commission of Zambia 2006, "Powers of the Commission", [www] http://www.elections.org.zm/powers.html
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:29:24 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
f. Donors
Comments: The Electoral Commission of Zambia is funded by parliamentary appropriations and donations.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 1996, 13.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:29:24 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
a. The President
c. The legislature
Comments: As soon as is practicable, but not later than ninety days after the end of the financial year,the Commission shall submit to the President a report concerning its activities during the financial year. The President shall, not later than seven days after the first sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report, cause the report to be laid before the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 1996, 16.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:29:24 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: The members of the Electoral Commission shall be appointed for a term not exceeding seven years. Their terms may be renewed, but renewals require the ratification of the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Commission Act 1996, 5(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:29:24 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-02-05 10:33:44 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2007-02-05 10:33:44 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
b. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The President is Head of State as well as Head of Government. The President is elected through secret ballot by direct universal adult suffrage in plurality elections concurrent with the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 33(1), 34.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:50:34 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
a. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The President is Head of State as well as Head of Government. The President is elected through secret ballot by direct universal adult suffrage in plurality elections.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 33(1), 34.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:50:34 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The President is Head of State and Government.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 33(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 12:50:34 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: The National Assembly has 150 members directly elected from their constituencies. A further eight members are nominated by the President.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 34(8), 62 and 63.
Last updated: 2007-10-11 09:56:19 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The National Assembly is composed of 150 members who are elected from constituencies in first-past-the-post elections, eight members nominated by the President and a Speaker elected from outside the Assembly by the Assembly
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 34(8), 62 and 63.
Last updated: 2007-10-11 10:00:03 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Last updated: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 14:10:24 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: The key legislative items are: Constitution of Zambia 1996. Electoral Act 2006. Electoral(Code of Conduct) Regulations 2006. Electoral Commission Act 1996.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Article 76.
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:30:39 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Comments: The Electoral Act No. 12 of 2006; The Electoral General Regulations S.I. 92 of 2006; The Local Government Elections (Amendment) No. 2, S.I. No 96 of 2006.
Source: The Zambian Electoral Act
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:30:39 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: The Electoral Act covers Presidential and Parliamentary elections. There is a separate law for local government elections.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 21, 43 (4)
Last updated: 2007-10-11 12:42:30 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Last updated: 2007-10-11 12:42:30 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: All public television and radio broadcasters shall allocate public air time equally to all political parties for their political broadcasts.
Source: Electoral (Code of Conduct) Regulations 2006, Article 13(1).
Last updated: 2007-10-16 07:22:09 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: A political party may not buy more than thirty minutes air time in any given one language on public television or radio in any one week.
Source: Electoral (Code of Conduct) Regulations 2006, Article 13(2).
Last updated: 2007-10-16 07:22:09 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
Source: Electoral Commission of Zambia
Last updated: 2007-11-09 14:40:36 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 16:23:56 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Television may not broadcast opinion poll results or predictions of the result on polling day until the polls have closed. Broadcasters must reveal the sources of opinion polls and indicate the margins of error.
Source: Electoral (Code of Conduct) Regulations 2006, Article 13(3),(4).
Last updated: 2007-11-09 14:41:41 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
f. Other
Comments: Parties must be registered at the national level, but there are no restricting requirements. All requirements apply directly to the candidates whether independent or member of a party. The registration of political parties is the responsibility of the Registrar of Societies.
Source: Societies Act, 6(1), 7(3).
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:56:09 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Zambia has a unicameral system.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 34(8), 62 and 63.
Last updated: 2007-10-12 12:57:34 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
i. Minimum level of literacy
Comments: Candidates must be Zambian citizens, at least 21 years old and conversant the official language of Zambia (English).
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Article 64.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:05:14 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Zambia has a unicameral system.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 34(8), 62 and 63.
Last updated: 2007-10-12 13:04:06 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Presidential candidates must a member of or be supported by a political party.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Articles 34(3)(d).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:05:14 UTC
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: ZMK 20 million
Source: Constitution Article 34; Statutory instrument No. 86 of 2006
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:56:09 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: No public funding of political parties, Zambia has never legally provided for the resourcing of political parties by the state.
Source: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 2004, "Highlights from the Transparency International Global Corruption Report 2004".
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:05:14 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding of political parties.
Source: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL 2004, "Highlights from the Transparency International Global Corruption Report 2004".
Last updated: 2007-10-12 13:20:39 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: All political parties raise some of their funds internally through membership dues and levies on members of parliament.
Source: KABEMBA, C & EISEMAN, M 2004, "Multipartyism in Zambia", IN Kabemba, C (ed), Elections and Democracy in Zambia, EISA Research Report No 6; MOMBA, J 2005, Political Parties and the Quest for Democratic Consolidation in Zambia [PDF document], EISA Research Report No 17, 13.
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:56:09 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Counting is generally undertaken at the polling station where the votes were cast, but provision is made for the Electoral Commission Zambia to order counting at another venue if it is necessary for a free and fair election.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 64, 66, 68, 76.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:12:09 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
c. By fax
h. Other
Comments: Announced at the polling station
Source: Electoral Commission of Zambia
Last updated: 2007-11-09 14:34:41 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
e. Court order
Comments: An election or polling agent of a candidate may object to a count and the counting assistant may determine whether or not to recount the ballots.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 69, 102(3).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:12:09 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
i. Media
j. Religious Institutions
Comments: The Electoral Commission of Zambia is mandated to provide Voter Education.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 77-78.
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:40:14 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: EISA 2007 Election Observer Report: Zambia Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections, 28 September 2006, 21.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:40:14 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
l. Other
Comments: l. Any natural or juristic person providing voter education shall do so in a manner— (a) that is impartial and independent of any registered party or candidate contesting an election; and (b) that shall promote conditions conducive to free and fair election.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 78(2).
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:42:54 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
j. Other
Comments: A special vote may be cast if a person cannot vote at a polling station due to physical infirmity or disability or pregnancy or absence from that polling district while serving as an officer or monitor in the election concerned, or while on duty as a member of the security services in connection with the election.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 24, 59.
Last updated: 2007-11-09 14:00:11 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments: The law makes no provision for voting outside the country.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:00:03 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 10:29:27 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is:
b. No X
Last updated: 2007-10-12 10:33:18 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: Once the voter has received a ballot paper,the voter shall — mark the ballot paper in a way that indicates the candidate the voter wishes to vote for.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 59 (6)(b).
Last updated: 2007-10-15 14:00:03 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 7
b. The largest polling station: Not set
Source: Electoral Commission of Zambia
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:59:02 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18 years
Source: Constitution, Article 75(1); Electoral Act 2006, 5.
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:33:21 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: e. Is in possession of a national registration card.
Source: Electoral Act 2006, 5.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:44:01 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Commission of Zambia is responsible for the voter registration.
Source: Constitution of Zambia 1996, Article 76.
Last updated: 2007-10-15 13:44:01 UTC
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Comments: Continuous Voter Registration started in April 2007
Source: Zambian Electoral Commission, 2007-11-09
Last updated: 2007-11-09 13:35:05 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:20 AM
