Dubai ready for printing of ballot papers

… We are up to the task to deliver credible elections this year – Dr Sikazwe.

DUBAI - All is set for the production of ballot papers for the 2021 August general elections by the Dubai-based Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company, the firm engaged by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the works.

A team of officials led by ECZ Vice Chairperson, Emily Sikazwe was briefed yesterday by the company whose capacity can manage to print 10 million ballot papers per day, that Al Ghurair is set for the task.

General Manager, Lakshmanan Ganapathy disclosed that the printing will first commence with local government ballot papers after they are verified in Zambia by another team, would be followed by the parliamentary and finally Presidential ballot papers.

Mr Ganapathy told the ECZ team that his company is happy that it has been accorded another opportunity to print this year’s general elections ballot papers, the first one being for the 2016 elections.

Mr Ganapathy expressed optimism that the company will finish printing the ballot papers, package and airlift them to Zambia in record time by the end of July.

And Dr Sikazwe reiterated that the ECZ was up to the task to deliver credible elections this year.

She said the presence of her delegation in the UAE was to ensure it sees the printing process from start to finish in readiness for this year’s general elections. Flanked by commissioner, retired Major-General Vincent Mukanda among other officials, Dr Sikazwe said she was optimistic that ECZ will not relent in its duty of ensuring that expectations of Zambians are met.

Dr Sikazwe implored the Zambian team comprising representatives from civil society organisations, security, Home Affairs, Anti-Corruption Commission, the media and political parties to apply themselves and work beyond normal working hours so that the process of production of the elections materials is successfully completed.