IEBC engages ECZ ahead of Zambia’s August polls
By Faith Lagat, January 12, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya hosted a delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on January 12, 2026, as part of a peer learning tour ahead of Zambia’s general election scheduled for August 13, 2026.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) today hosted a delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on a peer learning tour in Kenya. The ECZ is preparing for the 13th August 2026 General Election,” IEBC stated.
The visit offered an opportunity for Zambia’s electoral officials to learn from Kenya’s experience in administering elections, particularly in systems that include proportional representation elements.
The engagement comes as IEBC ramps up preparations for Kenya’s 2027 general elections. The commission has been conducting capacity-building initiatives, technology tests, and peer learning programs to ensure transparency, efficiency, and credibility in the management of upcoming polls.
Sharing experience on proportional systems
The learning tour was informed by Zambia’s recent constitutional amendments, which introduced a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system.
“The learning tour is further informed by the recent amended Zambian Constitution, which has introduced a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) electoral system, combining the First Past the Post (FPTP) system with a Proportional Representation (PR) system for the election of women, youth, and persons with disability in Parliament and Councils, respectively,” read the IEBC’s post in part.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon led the engagement, welcoming the delegation alongside other Commission members, expressing delight at IEBC’s selection for their learning program and committing to continuous peer exchanges between the two electoral bodies.
During the session, the IEBC shared detailed insights on implementing proportional representation mechanisms. “@IEBCKenya shared with ECZ Kenya’s experience in the management and administration of elections under a proportional system representative system,” the post added, highlighting practical lessons drawn from Kenya’s framework.
Regional election preparedness
The collaboration underscores regional solidarity in strengthening electoral integrity and building lasting ties between African electoral management bodies. “This collaboration underscores regional solidarity in strengthening electoral integrity, while building lasting ties between Africa’s electoral management bodies,” the IEBC said.
Zambia’s move to the MMPR system follows the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, passed by the National Assembly in December 2025. The system combines FPTP constituency seats with proportional allocation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusivity.
The ECZ delegation’s tour supports preparations for the August 13 polls, where Zambians will elect the president, National Assembly members, councillors, and council chairpersons under the updated framework.