Zambia Election Turmoil: ECZ Faces Fierce Demands Over Ballot Paper Delays

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has provided updates on the arrival and handling of ballot papers for the upcoming August 13th General Elections. According to Patricia Luhanga, ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager, the final consignment of ballot papers is scheduled to arrive on Friday, July 31st, 2026. This arrival will mark the completion of six flights, with consignments scheduled daily. Upon arrival, the ballot papers will be securely stored at the Silverest Warehouse in preparation for the verification process. Packaging of the ballot papers is currently underway in Dubai.

Ms. Luhanga further explained that the ballot paper process, which was initially expected to conclude on July 28th, was extended to July 31st, 2026. This extension was necessitated by withdrawals from some candidates and a court case that required resolution. Despite these adjustments, the ECZ asserts that it remains within its scheduled timelines. The Commission has also issued a call to stakeholders and media representatives interested in witnessing and covering the ballot paper verification process, urging them to obtain accreditation. Accreditation is currently ongoing at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

Meanwhile, the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has expressed significant concerns regarding the transparency and communication surrounding the ballot papers. The alliance has issued a demand for the ECZ to convene an emergency meeting with all political parties participating in the August 13th General Elections. This meeting, requested with a 24-hour ultimatum, is intended to provide crucial clarity on the arrival, storage, and verification procedures of the ballot papers. Dr. Chris Zumani, NRPUP Presidential Adviser for the alliance, highlighted that political parties have not been adequately informed about critical details such as the facilities for storing ballot papers at the airport, the mode of transportation to the ECZ Silverest Warehouse, and the methodology for the verification exercise. Dr. Zumani emphasized that a physical engagement with stakeholders is essential to prevent misunderstandings and uphold transparency throughout the electoral process.

Adding to the calls for clarity, Celestine Mukandila, PF Pamodzi Alliance Secretary General, voiced concerns over what he described as conflicting information from the ECZ regarding the ballot paper arrivals. These concerns follow previous updates from the ECZ concerning changes to the schedule of the first consignment from Dubai. Initially, Ms. Luhanga had announced that the first consignment would arrive on Monday, July 27th, following a revision in the air operator's charter flight schedule. However, ECZ Commissioner Ndiyoi Mutiti later clarified from Dubai that the charter flight, originally set for Sunday, would now arrive in Zambia on Tuesday, July 28th. Commissioner Mutiti explained that the flight schedule was revised to accommodate a larger aircraft, which would transport the two consignments initially scheduled for Sunday and Monday, alongside a portion of the ballot papers expected on the third flight, streamlining the delivery process.