LUSAKA - Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has dismissed claims circulating on social media that some ballot papers for the August 13, 2026 General Election were printed in Tanzania, describing the allegations as false, misleading and irresponsible.
Speaking at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) during the arrival of the first consignment of ballot papers, Ms. Zaloumis said it was unfortunate that some individuals were spreading unverified information capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
She clarified that all ballot papers were printed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and not Tanzania, adding that representatives from political parties and other election stakeholders participated in the printing process from start to finish to ensure transparency.
Ms. Zaloumis urged Zambians to trust the country's institutions and rely only on verified information regarding the electoral process.
She also explained that the first consignment of ballot papers arrived later than initially expected because the chartered aircraft opted to transport a larger quantity of ballot papers in a single trip.
According to the ECZ Chairperson, considerable effort has gone into preparing the ballot papers and ensuring all electoral procedures are followed ahead of the August 13 General Election.
The first batch of ballot papers arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at around 09:00 hours in the presence of political party representatives, election stakeholders and ECZ officials, who witnessed the offloading process.
Source: Diamond Media Zambia
Author: Mike Mwendachabe and Victoria Kayeye Yambani