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

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has issued a stern warning to political candidates who participated in Thursday's general elections, reminding them that it is strictly illegal to declare themselves winners. Speaking during a media briefing, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis emphasized that only the Commission holds the constitutional and statutory mandate to tally, verify, and officially announce election results. The warning comes amid heightened political tensions across the country, fueled by delays in result compilation and various political factions attempting to preempt official announcements using parallel tabulations. Zaloumis stressed that premature declarations of victory by candidates or political parties not only violate electoral laws but also pose a severe threat to public peace and national security. The electoral body noted that such irresponsible pronouncements can incite supporters, create unnecessary anxiety, and trigger unrest in communities already on edge as they await the final outcome of the polls. The Commission urged all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm, and allow the established legal framework to run its course without interference. The warning follows incidents where political actors sought to project their own tallies outside the official channels administered by the ECZ. Legal experts have echoed the Commission's sentiments, pointing out that under Zambian electoral laws, unauthorized announcement of election results undermines the integrity of the democratic process and compromises public trust in state institutions. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to monitor public spaces and digital platforms for any violations of the Electoral Process Act. As the nation holds its breath for the resumption and finalization of vote counting, civil society organizations and religious leaders have joined the call for peace and adherence to the rule of law. Stakeholders across the political divi