01/08/2026
REF: SLAADAZ/ECZ/01/2026
Date: 1st August, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALL FOR URGENT ACTION TO STRENGTHEN DISABILITY INCLUSION IN POLL STAFF RECRUITMENT FOR 2026 GENERAL ELECTION
TO: The Chairperson, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)
CC: Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), Ministry of Community Development.
SLAADAZ, an organization of and for Deaf youth and women, acknowledges the Electoral Commission of Zambia's recruitment of 89,370 suitably qualified Zambians to work as poll staff countrywide during the 13th August, 2026 General Election.
While we commend this massive opportunity for youth employment and civic participation, we have noted with serious concern that the published Job Advertisement for Poll Staff lists ECZ as an Equal Opportunity Employer but contains no explicit disability inclusion provision, no reasonable accommodation statement, and no accessible application pathway for Deaf persons.
Our Observations - Critical Gaps:
1. No explicit encouragement: The advert does not state that Persons with Disabilities, including Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind persons, are encouraged to apply.
2. Language barrier: Requirement to be "conversant with the local language spoken in the district" excludes Zambian Sign Language (ZSL), which is recognized under the Persons with Disabilities Act.
3. Inaccessible process: Applications requiring written letters, CVs and physical delivery to District Electoral Officers without alternative formats (ZSL video application, simplified English, email/WhatsApp submission, interpreter support).
4. No reasonable accommodation: No mention of accommodation during interviews, training, and deployment at polling stations.
5. No partnership: No mention of collaboration with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) for mobilization.
This omission disproportionately affects Deaf youth and women, who face intersectional discrimination on the basis of disability, age, and gender.
Legal Obligation for ECZ
This is not charity, it is law:
• Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, Article 259 - requires equitable representation of persons with disabilities in public institutions. • Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, Sections 19, 20, 22 - right to employment, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodation. • Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, Section 18 - ECZ must facilitate participation of persons with disabilities. • UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Article 29 - ratified by Zambia, guarantees participation in political and public life. SLAADAZ DEMANDS - 8 Point Urgent Action Plan:
We call upon ECZ to issue an URGENT ADDENDUM / CORRIGENDUM before shortlisting and training begins:
1. Explicit Inclusion Clause: Amend advert to read: "Persons with disabilities, including Deaf, hard of hearing, youth and women with disabilities who meet minimum qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply. Zambian Sign Language is recognized as a local language."
2. Accessible Applications: Accept ZSL video CVs, provide application form in simplified English and ZSL video, and allow submission via email with video link.
3. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Include: "ECZ will provide reasonable accommodation including Sign Language Interpreters during interviews, training, and polling duties upon request."
4. Quota and Target: Reserve a minimum 10% of the 89,370 positions for persons with disabilities in line with National Policy, with specific tracking for Deaf youth and women.
5. Training of DEOs: Urgently orient all District Electoral Officers (Town Clerks/Council Secretaries) on disability inclusion, non-discriminatory shortlisting, and communication with Deaf applicants.
6. Partnership: Formally engage ZAPD and OPDs including SLAADAZ, Zambia National Association of the Deaf, and Women with Disabilities networks for mobilization and provision of interpreters.
7. Accessible Polling Stations: Ensure Deaf poll staff are deployed with interpreters/buddy support and that polling stations they work at are physically accessible.
8. Data and Accountability: Publish disaggregated data on applicants and shortlisted candidates by disability, age and gender, and include a module on disability inclusion and ZSL basics in the Poll Staff Training Manual.
Our Call
The 13th August 2026 General Election will not be credible if 89,370 opportunities bypass the very citizens who have historically been excluded from electoral processes.
Deaf youth can verify voters, manage queues, issue ballots, and guard ballot boxes. Deaf women can lead polling stations. What they need is not sympathy, but access and accommodation.
We request a meeting with ECZ within 7 days to co-create an inclusive recruitment strategy.
Nothing About Us Without Us!
Submitted by:
On behalf of SLAADAZ -
Lusaka, Zambia 🇿🇲
