The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it is ready to host the elections and is today set to announce the date for presidential and parliamentary candidates to file their nomination papers. ECZ chairperson Ireen Mambilima said in Lusaka yesterday that the electoral body has set the timetable for the commencement of campaigns.
Justice Mambilima told journalists that the ECZ will be objective and professional in conducting the elections as it has done in the past. “We have set the timetable for the nominations of presidential and parliamentary candidates which will kick-start the campaigns,” Justice Mambilima said.
She said the ECZ wants to complete the nomination process so that the printing of ballot papers can start. The printing of ballot papers will be conducted in South Africa by Universal Printing group and all political parties should send their party representatives to monitor the printing process.
“The entire process will be transparent and I want to urge all political parties to send credible people to monitor the printing process to avoid unnecessary suspicion,” Justice Mambilima said. She said election stakeholders should observe the electoral code of conduct to enhance transparency during the poll.
“We are inviting all political parties to send their representatives to monitor the printing of ballot papers. I hope they can send credible people who will not create unnecessary suspicion,” Justice Mambilima said.
