Tonse Alliance write to South African Govt About Pre-Marked Ballot Papers in Transit via South Africa

TONSE ALLIANCEOffice of the Secretary GeneralLusaka, Zambia Date: 11th August 2026Ref: TA/SG/2026/081 — His Excellency Mr. Saad CachaliaThe High CommissionerRepublic of South AfricaLusaka, Zambia Dateline: Lusaka Subject: Urgent Inquiry Regarding Alleged Pre-Marked Ballot Papers for Zambia’s 13 August 2026 General Elections in Transit via the Republic of South Africa Your Excellency, On behalf of the […]

TONSE ALLIANCE
Office of the Secretary General
Lusaka, Zambia

Date: 11th August 2026
Ref: TA/SG/2026/081

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His Excellency Mr. Saad Cachalia
The High Commissioner
Republic of South Africa
Lusaka, Zambia

Dateline: Lusaka

Subject: Urgent Inquiry Regarding Alleged Pre-Marked Ballot Papers for Zambia’s 13 August 2026 General Elections in Transit via the Republic of South Africa

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Tonse Alliance, the main opposition political formation in Zambia, I write to formally bring to your attention grave allegations that have come to us from credible sources, concerning the integrity of materials for the forthcoming General Elections scheduled for 13th August 2026.

We have received reports alleging that:

1. Pre-marked presidential and parliamentary ballot papers intended for the Zambian elections were allegedly tampered with while in transit on the sovereign territory of the Republic of South Africa;

2. That these materials may have originated from Dubai and entered South African jurisdiction, possibly without the prior knowledge of your authorities;

3. That the matter has since been escalated to the highest levels of South Africa’s security and intelligence services.

Your Excellency, given the sensitivity of this matter and the proximity of the polls, we are compelled to seek your urgent clarification on the following:

1. Can your office confirm or refute whether any Zambian ballot papers were found to be pre-marked or compromised while on South African soil

2. Were your authorities made aware of the entry and transit of such electoral materials through South Africa, and if so, under what circumstances?

3. Can you confirm whether this matter has indeed been brought to the attention of South Africa’s security and intelligence structures?

The Tonse Alliance holds the view that the integrity of Zambia’s electoral process is sacrosanct. Any compromise of ballot materials, especially one that involves cross-border transit, constitutes a direct threat to democracy, regional stability, and the credibility of the outcome of 13th August 2026.

We therefore respectfully request your immediate response and any information your office can provide to clarify these allegations. We are confident that the Government of the Republic of South Africa, as a steadfast partner in democracy and a respected member of SADC, shares our commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections.

We trust that this matter will be treated with the urgency it deserves and look forward to your prompt reply.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Chris Zumani
Secretary General
Tonse Alliance

CC:
Chairperson, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)