2026 general elections ballot papers printing begins tomorrow

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially commenced the printing process for the 2026 general election ballot papers, entrusting the contract to the Dubai-based Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company. This development follows a rigorous procurement process overseen by the Commission, with Vice Chairperson Major General Vincent Mukanda (Retired) confirming that the firm was selected based on its international reputation for quality and technical capacity. The commencement of printing marks a critical milestone in the electoral calendar, ensuring that the logistical requirements for the upcoming polls are met well in advance of the voting date to avoid the administrative bottlenecks that have historically plagued electoral cycles in the region.

For legal practitioners and stakeholders, this development underscores the importance of the Electoral Act and the Public Procurement Act in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The transparency of the procurement process is vital, as any perceived irregularities in the printing of ballot papers can serve as grounds for election petitions under the Constitution of Zambia. By inviting political party representatives to tour the facility in Dubai, the ECZ is attempting to mitigate potential litigation risks by fostering transparency and building confidence among competing political entities regarding the security and accuracy of the ballot production chain.

Practitioners should closely monitor the ECZ’s compliance with the Electoral Process Act, particularly regarding the chain of custody for sensitive election materials. Legal teams representing political parties should ensure that their clients are fully briefed on the verification protocols established by the Commission. It is essential for attorneys to advise their clients to document any concerns regarding the printing process immediately, as the evidentiary threshold for challenging election results based on ballot irregularities is exceptionally high once the electoral process has concluded and results have been declared.