The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya on Monday hosted a delegation from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for a peer learning tour aimed at sharing best practices ahead of Zambia’s general election scheduled for August 13, 2026.
The visit provided an opportunity for Zambia’s electoral officials to draw lessons from Kenya’s experience in election administration, particularly in systems incorporating elements of proportional representation.
In a statement, IEBC said it welcomed the ECZ delegation as part of their preparations for the upcoming polls.
“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 as the ECZ prepares for the 13th August 2026 General Election,” the commission noted.
The engagement comes as IEBC also intensifies preparations for Kenya’s 2027 general elections through capacity-building initiatives, technology testing, and peer learning programmes aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and credibility in electoral management.
The learning tour was informed by Zambia’s recent constitutional amendments that introduced a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon led the engagement, welcoming the delegation alongside other commission members and expressing appreciation for IEBC’s selection as a learning partner. He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to sustained peer exchanges between the two electoral bodies.
During the session, IEBC shared detailed insights into the implementation of proportional representation mechanisms, highlighting practical experiences and lessons learned.
IEBC said the collaboration reflects regional solidarity in strengthening electoral integrity and fostering long-term cooperation among African electoral management bodies.
Zambia’s adoption of the MMPR system follows the passage of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 by the National Assembly in December 2025.
The system combines first-past-the-post constituency seats with proportional representation allocations for women, youth, and persons with disabilities to promote inclusivity.
The ECZ delegation’s visit supports preparations for the August 13 polls, during which Zambians will elect the president, members of the National Assembly, councillors, and council chairpersons under the revised electoral framework.
