ECZ DISMISSES CLAIMS OF PRE-MARKED BALLOTS ENROUTE SOUTH AFRICA.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has strongly dismissed allegations that pre-marked presidential and parliamentary ballot papers intended for the 13 August 2026 General Elections are being transported through South Africa.
In a public notice issued on 12 August 2026, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the allegations circulating in a letter attributed to the Tonse Alliance are false and have no basis.
Mr. Kasaro said the Commission is “not expecting any delivery of ballot papers from South Africa or Dubai,” stressing that all ballot papers for tomorrow’s elections have already been received, verified and distributed to polling stations across the country
He explained that the distribution of the ballot papers was conducted in the presence of political party monitors, adding that the process had been completed before Election Day.
The ECZ also rejected claims that ballot papers allegedly originating from Dubai were being tampered with while in South Africa.
“The allegations of pre-marked ballots originating from Dubai and being tampered with on South African soil are entirely false, baseless, and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary panic, compromise regional relations, and discredit the integrity of the 13th August polls,” Mr. Kasaro stated.
Mr. Kasaro said the ECZ remains committed to delivering a transparent and credible election.
The Commission has also encouraged members of the public to ignore the reports and turn up in large numbers on 13 August to peacefully exercise their right to vote.u
– Zambian Watch News
