ECZ Reaffirms Transparency and Accountability

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasising that all procurement processes are guided strictly by the Public Procurement Act and its associated regulations.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro stated that the Commission remains open to dialogue and engagement with stakeholders. He stressed that ECZ’s procurement practices are in full compliance with legal requirements.

Kasaro explained that the contract for the supply of voter registration kits was awarded to MIRU Systems Company Limited of South Korea after the company met all necessary requirements and successfully passed technical evaluations.

He further clarified that the ECZ Procurement Committee cancelled the re-floated tender on 16 June, after all submitted applications were deemed non-responsive at the initial stage of evaluation. This, he said, was in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, which permits tender cancellation under such circumstances.

MIRU Systems was awarded the contract at an initial bid price of over $11 million, subject to further negotiations. The deal includes the supply of 2,500 voter registration kits and accompanying software. Kasaro confirmed that although the price was reduced following negotiations, the quality of the equipment and service will not be compromised.

He added that the Commission is committed to ongoing transparency, and will be engaging with Transparency International Zambia and maintaining consultations with relevant stakeholders throughout the process.