AFTER a printing mishap that saw one candidate’s surname vanish from the ballot papers for the Lumezi Parliamentary by-election, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has reprinted the ballot papers.
ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro has confirmed in a statement that fresh ballot papers have been printed after the error was flagged during final preparations for the by-election.
The Commission explained that the decision was made to ensure that the election process remains credible, transparent, and in line with the law.
“The ballot papers have since been reprinted in order to facilitate a free and fair election,” stated Kasaro.
“The Commission takes this opportunity to reassure all stakeholders and the general public of its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process.”
The new batch of ballots is scheduled to touch down in the country this afternoon at 14:30 hours aboard an Emirates flight at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
According to the Commission, the new ballot papers will be transported directly to Lumezi District where they will be verified by all candidates and political parties before being sent to various polling stations.
Despite the late correction, the Commission says everything is under control and voting will proceed as planned on Thursday, June 26.
The ECZ reassured the public that the ballot paper design now complies with Sections 51 and 52 of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, as well as Regulation 27(2) of the Electoral Process (General) Regulations, 2016.
By George Musonda
Kalemba June 25, 2025
