By Mubanga Mubanga
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has awarded a contract for printing of ballot papers for the 2026 general elections to Al Ghurair printing and publishing of the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking at a press briefing, (ECZ) chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said following the failure by Ren CC of South Africa which was initially awarded the contract, to fulfill certain contractual obligations, the procurement committee of the commission recommended that Al Ghurair, which was the second ranked bidder, be given the contract.
“The Commission therefore, wishes to notify the public that Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing of the United Arab Emirates has been awarded the contract to print and deliver ballot papers and other election materials. The contract with Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing was signed on 10th January, 2025,” Kasaro said.
Meanwhile, Kasaro said ECZ would in the second quarter of the year begin mass registration of voters countrywide.
“Mass Registration of voters, the Commission is pleased to announce that it will embark on a mass or countrywide voter registration exercise starting in the second quarter of 2025. This exercise forms part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive voter registration process, aimed at empowering all eligible Zambians to participate in elections,” said Kasaro. “Building on the success of the Continuous Registration of Voters (CRV) initiative currently operational in 30 districts across the country, the nationwide registration will provide an opportunity for all eligible citizens to register as voters. Additionally, those already on.”
Kasaro also urged all the candidates taking part in the upcoming by-elections in Pambashe and Petauke to follow the electoral code of conduct and conduct campaigns peacefully.
