The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has clarified that the slow pace characterizing the ongoing printing of ballot papers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was caused by administrative hitches. Speaking in Dubai, ECZ Commissioner Macdonald Chipenzi stated that this year’s…

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has clarified that the slow pace characterizing the ongoing printing of ballot papers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was caused by administrative hitches.

Speaking in Dubai, ECZ Commissioner Macdonald Chipenzi stated that this year’s ballot paper printing cycle has faced historic disruptions due to a high volume of candidate resignations.

Mr Chipenzi was responding to concerns raised by stakeholders who demanded to know why the printing process had slowed down.

The ECZ Commissioner explained that a significant number of candidates were resigning without following the legally prescribed guidelines.

“You may wish to know that some candidates were not following proper procedure when resigning. This affected the printing process, as the verification process consequently took much longer than expected.” Mr Chipenzi stated.

However, Mr he assured the nation that despite the slight delay, the printer has confirmed it remains on track to deliver the materials within the stipulated schedule

“The printer has assured us that they will finish production and commence shipping the ballot papers by July 28, 2026,” he said.

Additionally, the Commission announced that over 23 million ballot papers have been printed so far, representing 68 percent progress.

Mr. Chipenzi revealed that the remaining 32 percent will be finalized in due course.

9.1 million presidential ballot papers have been completed. Packaging for these ballots has already commenced, with 15 constituencies fully packed.

Furthermore, ballot papers for 77 district chairpersons have been printed, alongside 6.5 million ballots covering 1,340 local government wards.

Approximately 3 million ballots for 96 National Assembly seats have also been completed.

The printing of the National Assembly and Local Government ballot papers is currently underway by the Al Ghurair Publishing and Printing Company.