ECZ UPDATE ON BALLOT PAPER PRINTING IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AS AT TUESDAY, 22ST JULY 2026
ECZ UPDATE ON BALLOT PAPER PRINTING IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AS AT TUESDAY, 22ST JULY 2026
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) wishes to update the nation on the progress made since the previous update on Friday,17thJuly, 2026. Commissioner Mcdonald Chipenzi who is in Dubai announced to the stakeholders that the nation may wish to know that since Friday last week the Commission has made tremendous progress in the printing and packaging of ballot papers at Al Ghurair in Dubai.
He explained that as was stated last week, all presidential ballots of 9.1million have been printed and completed. Further, 7,708,700 ballot papers for 1,542 wards have been printed as at Monday the 20th July 2026, while 6,722,550 for 96 districts have been printed for Mayoral and Council Chairperson election. For National Assembly elections, 6,628,500 ballot papers have been printed for 168 constituencies therefore we are remaining with 51 seats which translates to 26% of the National Assembly.
Commissioner Chipenzi who was in the company of Commissioner Ambassador Ndiyoi Mutiti advised stakeholders that, apart from the Presidential election, several candidates were declared unopposed across the Mayoral, National Assembly, and Local government by-election.
The Commission recorded 6 unopposed candidates for mayoral elections (out of 116 districts), 7 for the National Assembly (out of 226 constituencies), and176 for local government elections (out of 1,858 wards).
Consequently, the volume of printed ballot papers will be reduced by the number of the unopposed seats.
Commissioner Chipenzi added that the Commission wishes to inform the nation that all administrative requirements regarding ballot paper printing proofs have been successfully resolved, and the printing process is progressing steadily and the Commission is committed to deliver the ballots to Lusaka as scheduled.
He said the Commission would once again like to commend the team of stakeholders who include political parties, civil society, the church, security agencies, the media and ECZ staff who have demonstrated commitment and dedication, not only in monitoring the printing process, but also for the teamwork and the alertness in ensuring a meticulous verification of the ballot papers.
Commissioner Chipenzi added that the Commission guarantees the absolute integrity of the printing process from initial production and packaging to final delivery
He stated that from 24thJuly, the first pallets will be moved from the plant to the airport and will be airlifted to Lusaka on 26thJuly, 2026. Throughout transit, these sealed pallets shall be well secured and will be verified by receiving delegations of stakeholders upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International airport.
In conclusion, the Commissioner explained that the Commission will continue to provide updates of the process until it is completed. He said the Commission was pleased to note that out of the total of 36,473,200 ballots for the 2026 general election, 30,178,050 which is 86% of the ballots have been printed. He said this entailed only14% was remaining to complete the printing journey.
