ECZ Dismisses Claims of Extra Ballot Papers Printed in Tanzania

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media claiming that extra ballot papers for the 2026 General Election have been secretly printed in Tanzania. In a statement, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro described the claims,…

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media claiming that extra ballot papers for the 2026 General Election have been secretly printed in Tanzania.

In a statement, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro described the claims, which were circulated on The Candidates Facebook page, as false and misleading.

The allegations claimed that additional ballot papers would be smuggled into Zambia through the Nakonde border to favour President Hakainde Hichilema in the August 13 General Election.

Kasaro clarified that all ballot papers for the election are being printed exclusively at Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the supervision of political party representatives and members of the media.

He said the ballot papers will be transported directly from Dubai to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka aboard a chartered aircraft.

Kasaro added that political parties and other stakeholders will be invited to witness the arrival, verification and subsequent distribution of the ballot papers to districts across the country.

He further stressed that no ballot papers for the 2026 General Election will enter Zambia by road through any border, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

The Commission has urged members of the public to disregard the allegations and rely on official information issued by the ECZ regarding the electoral process.