ECZ Deserves Praise for Transparency During Ballot Printing

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) deserves commendation for improving transparency in the ballot paper printing process in Dubai by involving more political parties, civil society organisations and the media.

Stakeholders were given the opportunity to verify the ballot papers and observe the serialisation, binding, cutting, packaging and constituency allocation processes at Al Ghurair Printing Company. This is how a process designed to protect the people's vote should be conducted.

For the first time, the printing of ballot papers has been subjected to visible public scrutiny. Notably, there have been daily video updates on the progress of the printing process. News Diggers revealed that during the 2021 elections, only two political parties were able to send representatives to observe the exercise. This year, all major political formations have been represented, including the UPND, RP, NRPUP, Citizens First, the Leadership Movement, and an independent candidate.

Broad and proportionate representation is essential. Civil society organisations and bodies representing persons with disabilities have also been included. Furthermore, the printing of more than 13,000 Braille jackets for visually impaired voters demonstrates a commitment to protecting every citizen's right to vote.

Confidence in the electoral process is strengthened when political stakeholders challenge outdated practices and demand greater openness. Encouragingly, both ruling and opposition parties returned from Al Ghurair acknowledging that the process was inclusive and transparent.

Professor Nkandu Luo explained that stakeholders asked numerous questions, often robustly, and received satisfactory clarification. Meanwhile, ECZ Commissioner Zevyanji Sinkala commended political parties for setting aside narrow political interests during the exercise. Together, these developments demonstrate that the ECZ has conducted a credible, transparent and inclusive ballot paper printing process.