JUST IN:TONSE PAMODZI ALLIANCE DEMANDS EMERGENCY ECZ MEETING OVER BALLOT PAPER ARRIVAL & VERIFICATION PROCESS
By: Thomas Mwale
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has demanded that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) convenes an emergency meeting with all political parties participating in the August 13th General Elections to provide clarity on the arrival and verification of ballot papers.
The alliance has given the Commission a 24-hour ultimatum to announce a stakeholder meeting where political parties will receive official updates on the transportation, storage, and verification processes involving the ballot papers.
NRPUP Presidential Adviser Dr. Chris Zumani says political parties have not been adequately informed about the facilities that will be used to store the ballot papers upon arrival at the airport, the mode of transportation to the ECZ Silverest Warehouse, and how the verification exercise will be conducted.
Dr. Zumani says a physical engagement with stakeholders is necessary to avoid misunderstandings and ensure transparency in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, PF Pamodzi Alliance Secretary General Celestine Mukandila has also called for clarity from the ECZ, expressing concern over what he described as conflicting information regarding the arrival of ballot papers.
The concerns come after the ECZ provided updates on changes to the schedule for the first consignment of ballot papers from Dubai.
ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga earlier announced that the first consignment would arrive in Zambia on Monday, July 27th, following a revision in the charter flight schedule by the air operator. Mm
However, ECZ Commissioner Ndiyoi Mutiti later clarified from Dubai that the charter flight, which was initially scheduled to deliver the first batch of ballot papers on Sunday, will now arrive in Zambia on Tuesday, July 28th.
Commissioner Mutiti explained that the flight schedule was revised, with the aircraft now expected to depart Dubai on Monday, July 27th, at 23:00 hours.
She added that the charter flight has been changed to a larger aircraft, which will transport the two consignments initially scheduled for Sunday and Monday, as well as part of the ballot papers that were expected on the third flight.
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