Distribution of ballots begins
ECZ concludes ballot verification, nationwide distribution starts Sunday
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has concluded the ballot paper verification exercise after stakeholders unanimously agreed that inspecting two sampled ballot packages was sufficient to confirm the integrity of election materials.
ECZ acting Elections Manager Matata Sikota said although the commission had initially scheduled the verification exercise for two days, stakeholders resolved that verifying only two ballot packages would adequately serve the purpose while preserving the security of the ballot papers.
Mr Sikota said the next phase would be the nationwide distribution of ballot papers, scheduled to start on Sunday and continue until August 10.
District electoral officers will notify political parties and stakeholders to witness the receipt of sealed ballot materials at district centres. He said ballot packages would remain sealed during transportation and storage, with detailed verification to take place at district level before polling.
“We have not opened any ballot papers. We have not seen any ballot papers. The ballot papers remain sealed,” Mr Sikota said.