Ballot papers arrive

Ballot papers for the August 11^th elections have arrived in the country.

The Etihad cargo plane carrying the first consignment of over 150 pallets of ballot papers touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 14:15 hours this afternoon amidst tight security.

Various stakeholders including political party representatives witnessed the arrival of the ballot papers which have since been secured at the Electoral Commission of Zambia warehouse.

And briefing Journalists after arrival of the ballot papers, ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu says stakeholders will tomorrow begin inspection of the ballot papers.

Justice Chulu says the distribution of the ballot papers is expected to begin on the 7^th of August ahead of voting on 11^th August.

And political party representatives expressed confidence in the manner the ECZ has handled the whole process ahead of verification exercise tomorrow.

PF Representative Edward Nyirenda says the ruling party is happy with the transparency exhibited by the electoral body, while UPND Representative Joseph Lungu hopes that the same transparency exhibited by the ECZ so far will continue until the elections are over.

And Rainbow Party Representative Laxson Tembo says his party is happy that the ballot papers have arrived in the country in readiness for the elections.