ECZ: Declaring Election Victory Before Official Results Is an Offence

Don’t declare yourselves winners, it’s an offence, ECZ tells candidates.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has warned candidates who participated in Thursday's polls that declaring themselves winners is illegal. This warning comes after several candidates, including presidential hopefuls, have made public statements claiming victory before the official results are announced. The ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, emphasized that only the Commission can declare a winner.

This development has significant implications for practitioners as it highlights the importance of adhering to electoral laws and regulations. Candidates who make premature declarations may face legal consequences, including fines or even prosecution. The ECZ's warning underscores the need for candidates to respect the electoral process and wait for official results before making any public statements.

The relevant statutes and regulations governing elections in Zambia include the Electoral Act No. 19 of 2016 and the Constitution of Zambia, which outline the procedures for conducting free and fair elections. The ECZ is responsible for ensuring that elections are conducted in accordance with these laws. Practitioners should note that this warning may set a precedent for future electoral disputes in Zambia.