HH opposes printing of ballot papers in Dubai

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has opposed the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to settle for Al Ghurair printing and publishing of Dubai as the printer for ballot papers for the August 11 elections.

Mr. Hichilema has accused the ruling Patriotic Front of planning to rig the elections by printing ballot papers in Dubai.

Speaking when he received defectors from other political parties in Lusaka today, Mr. Hichilema says he has information that the PF wants to have ballot papers printed in Dubai by President Edgar Lungu’s alleged friend as a first step in manipulating the vote.

He adds that the PF have also contracted two local companies to work with the Dubai firm in allegedly rigging the elections.

Mr. Hichilema says any form of vote manipulation will not work for the ruling party as they are remaining with four months 14 days before they exit office.

Speaking at the same event, UPND Vice President for Administration Geoffrey Mwamba accused President Lungu of failing to deliver the 500, 000 jobs he promised the Zambian people when he launched the Youth Policy last year.

Mr. Mwamba has challenged the PF to state how many jobs have been created so far of the 500,000 promised.

Among those who defected to the UPND include former Justice Permanent Secretary Joseph Akafumba, PF Livingston district Chairlady who is also former Livingston Central Member of Parliament Alice Simaango, PF Western Province Vice Chairman Chipman Evans, and Former Sesheke MP Adonis Mufalali.

Others are NAREP Lusaka Province Chairman Luke Chikani and NAREP National Chairlady Marjory Mutakwa who are both members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).