Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it will decide whether the printing of ballot papers for the forthcoming Mpongwe and Livingstone by-elections slated for February 28, 2013 will be printed locally or abroad, after the nominations day.
Commission Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna says the Commission is not in the position to announce where the printing of ballot papers will be done until after the nomination period is over.
He, however, disclosed that the printing of ballot papers would be transparent and that it will involve all stake holders involved.
Mr. Akufuna disclosed to ZANIS in a telephone interview in Lusaka yesterday.
The ECZ Spokesperson earlier announced in a press statement to ZANIS that the day for filing in nominations for the two seats is January 31, 2013 including in 25 local by-elections across the country.
The Mpongwe parliamentary seat fell vacant after the resignation of former MMD Member of Parliament (MP) Gabriel Namulambe who has now joined the PF while the Livingstone seat fell vacant after Howard Sikwela resigned from the United Party for National Development, (UPND).
In history, Zambia has been printing ballot papers from South Africa but Republican President Michael Sata soon after coming to power announced that the venture is costly for the nation.
The Head of State said his administration would consider printing the ballot papers using the Zambia Printing Company which is capable of doing the job since it has adequate equipment
ZANIS
Why cannot ECZ decide where printing of ballot papers will be done? i thought it is good practice to have everything including proposals for printing of ballot papers in place even before announcing the nomination day. Are we waiting to see the strength of the candidates and then decide to strategize on the printing?