Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Political parties have taken the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to task demanding an explanation why it has insisted on awarding the contract to print ballot papers to a company in Dubai.
ECZ Chairperson Esau Chulu
During a heated (ECZ) stakeholders meeting in Lusaka this morning, political party presidents who included vice president Inonge Wina, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema, FDD President Edith Nawakwi, Green party President Peter Sinkamba, People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti, Poor people’s party Alex Muliokela and many others also expressed concern on the country holding the referendum alongside the general election.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema says it is sad that despite stakeholders writing to the ECZ on the decision to print ballots in Dubai, they have not paid attention to the concerns raised.
FDD President Edith Nawakwi asked the Commission to explain how they are working out modalities for security officers who will be sent to other towns to police the election process.
Ms Nawakwi says the commission should avail the list of the officers and where they will be sent to political parties.
But ECZ Chairperson Esau Chulu says the tendering process for the printing of ballots is being reviewed.
He says the Commission has not yet awarded the tender to any company.
Meanwhile the ECZ has announced that official campaigns for the general election will commence on the 16th May, 2016 and close on the 10th August, 2016.