ECZ debunks Tonse’s claims of pre-marked ballots from South Africa, Dubai

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has described as false allegations by Tonse Alliance that pre-marked presidential and parliamentary ballot papers intended for tomorrow’s elections are in transit through South Africa. The Commission says the allegations are baseless and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary panic, compromise regional relations and discredit the integrity of the […]

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has described as false allegations by Tonse Alliance that pre-marked presidential and parliamentary ballot papers intended for tomorrow’s elections are in transit through South Africa.

The Commission says the allegations are baseless and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary panic, compromise regional relations and discredit the integrity of the 13th August polls.

According to the Commission, Tonse wrote a letter claiming that ballot papers from Dubai were being tampered with in South Africa.

In a statement, Wednesday, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro reassured stakeholders that the Commission was not expecting any delivery of ballot papers from South Africa or Dubai.

He added that all ballot papers for tomorrow’s polls had been received, verified and distributed to their respective polling stations across the country in the presence of political party monitors.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) wishes to refute allegations circulating in a letter from the Tonse Alliance dated 11th August 2026, which claims that pre-marked presidential and parliamentary ballot papers intended for the 13th August 2026 General Elections are in transit through the Republic of South Africa. The Commission would like to reassure the general public, political players, and all stakeholders that the Commission is not expecting any delivery of ballot papers from South Africa or Dubai. All ballot papers for the 13th August 2026 General Elections were received, verified, and distributed to their respective polling stations across the country in the presence of political party monitors,” Kasaro stated.

Kasaro further called on Tonse Alliance to act responsibly and refrain from spreading unverified rumors that could incite public anxiety ahead of the General Election.

“The allegations of pre-marked ballots originating from Dubai and being tampered with on South African soil are entirely false, baseless, and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary panic, compromise regional relations, and discredit the integrity of the 13th August polls. The Commission reiterates its commitment to delivering a transparent and credible election. We urge all political players, and particularly the Tonse Alliance, to act responsibly and refrain from spreading unverified rumors that could incite public anxiety ahead of the General Election. Members of the public are advised to ignore these false reports and turn up in large numbers tomorrow, 13th August 2026, to peacefully exercise their right to vote,” stated Kasaro.