The first consignment of ballot papers for Zambia’s 13 August general election has arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, prompting the Electoral Commission of Zambia to move swiftly against circulating claims that additional ballots were being printed in Tanzania.

Commission chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis confirmed that 202 pallets of ballot material landed under police escort, with the remaining 185 pallets due to arrive today. The consignment was witnessed by representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and the media, who were invited to observe the offloading and onward transport to the Commission’s warehouse in Silverest.

Zaloumis dismissed the Tanzania claims as misinformation that could damage public trust. She insisted all ballot papers were produced in Dubai by Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing, under the supervision of party, civil society and media representatives throughout the process.

“We are worried about the lying culture. We are worried about where we are going,” she said, urging citizens and political actors to verify information before sharing it. She also rejected suggestions that security forces had taken over the ballot papers, saying the materials were handled entirely through the established process involving election stakeholders.

Verification is scheduled to begin at the Silverest warehouse. Stakeholders will be permitted to observe but have been asked not to photograph the premises or the ballots themselves, for security reasons.

Tonse Alliance secretary general Dr Chris Zumani Zimba welcomed the arrival, saying it provided assurance the election would proceed as scheduled despite earlier delays. He said the alliance was finalising preparations for the deployment of district inspectors and polling agents through to polling day.

United Party for National Development legal committee deputy chairperson Mulambo Haimbe commended the Commission for allowing stakeholders to witness the process, describing the earlier delay as an administrative matter resolved through logistical adjustments. UPND media director Mark Simuuwe reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to a free and fair election.

Citizens First Lusaka Province secretary Glenda Tupa said her party was satisfied with the level of openness shown, noting that stakeholders were permitted to observe the entire process, including the offloading and inspection of the ballots. The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council board chairperson Beauty Katebe similarly praised the transparency shown.

Organised People’s Party president Brian Mushimba, also a presidential candidate, said the rescheduling should not cause alarm. Having personally observed the printing in Dubai, he said his party was satisfied the delay was only a temporary challenge.

Governance Elections Advocacy Research Services Initiative board chairperson Luckson Lungu said recent constitutional amendments had prevented possible disruptions to the electoral calendar, given the unprecedented number of candidates and running mates who have withdrawn from the race. Without the changes, he said, the country risked multiple election cancellations under the previous legal framework.

The Commission has also reaffirmed its commitment to full participation by persons with disabilities. Copperbelt provincial electoral officer Shaft Musaka, speaking at an inclusive electoral workshop in Ndola, said disability should not prevent eligible citizens from voting or contesting elections.

Musaka said barriers such as inaccessible polling stations and communication gaps were being addressed through braille voter education materials, sign language resources, tactile ballot jackets and specialised staff training. According to the Commission, Zambia has 8,786,300 registered voters, including 7,584 blind, 6,072 deaf, 4,153 using crutches and 2,353 using wheelchairs.

The Commission says it will continue working with stakeholders to ensure a credible, inclusive and peaceful process through to polling day and beyond, with the final ballot consignment expected to complete the delivery cycle as the countdown enters its final stretch.

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