ECZ Defends Ballot Printing, Response To Chilubi Allegations
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has defended its decision not to sponsor stakeholders to observe the printing of ballot papers in Dubai ahead of the 2021 polls.
The ballot paper printing was a source of heated dispute during the 2016 polls, following a controversial decision by the ECZ to award the contract for printing the papers to a little-known Dubai-based firm called Al Ghurair.
At a cost of US$3 million some stakeholders questioned why the printing was not done locally, prompting President Lungu to state that in 2021 ballot papers would be printed domestically. However, the recent re-award of the contract by the ECZ to Al Ghurair suggests this will no longer be the case.
ECZ Acting CEO Royd Katongo has defended the commission’s decision, stating that stakeholders can sue the ECZ if they want.
“The commission is not stopping anyone from observing the printing of ballot papers. What the commission has said is that it shall not financially support those who wish to go and observe the printing of ballot papers. It is not sustainable. Yes, in the past we have done this but look, we have to review each and every activity that we do and for us moving forward, we have realised that it is not sustainable,” Katongo stated.
Meanwhile, the commissions Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano has defended the ECZ’s apparent inaction on allegations of bribery in relation to the upcoming by-election in Chilubi scheduled for February 13. According to Nshindano allegations have not yet been reported by stakeholders through the required channels.
The opposition NDC earlier this month claimed to have submitted a complaint to the ECZ alleging that the PF had hired out the only ferry to the island for exclusive use by the party ahead of the election and arguing that this amounts to electoral malpractice and abuse of office.
Akafumba urged the ECZ to intervene stating, “Sadly, our officials travelling to Chilubi Island, and currently at Samfya Harbour, have been told that government has hired the ferry for the next 20 days and that all private vehicles cannot be allowed to pass. Our officials and vehicles have been stuck at the harbour for two days now as they cannot cross over due to this.”
“As the name suggests, the Patriotic Front, PF, government knows that Chilubi is an island and there is no other way we can access the place but through this same harbour. So if our vehicles are not allowed to be ferried, then it means that we do not have access to Chilubi Island and no access to the elections,” he explained.
Northern Province UPND chair Nathan Ilunga similarly claimed that the PF had booked out all the available lodges, despite many being empty, as well as the means of transport in the area, with the opposition limited to canoes only.
Northern Province Minister Bwalya Chungu dismissed the allegations.
Speaking on the allegations Nshindano called on political parties to conduct themselves in a befitting manner. The ECZ also said it had engaged Zambia Postal Services (ZAMPOST) to make sure all stakeholders are able to use the ferry ahead of the polls and confirmed that all parties had been able to nominate their candidates successfully despite concerns.
