Last batch of ballot papers transported to Dubai Airport
TEAM ZAMBIA has yesterday completed its mission at the Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company in Dubai after seeing off the last consignment of ballot papers from the plant to the airport for delivery to Zambia on Thursday this week.
The team reiterated its satisfaction at the work done and the cooperation that existed among different political parties, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and other stakeholders during the printing and packaging process.
Himba Malambo of the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) said it was pleasing that the ballot paper printing exercise has been accomplished without any dissatisfaction among stakeholders.
Ms. Malambo, who spoke on behalf of other political parties, said all stakeholders were happy with the whole process.
And Bishop Shemmy Makelele from the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), who represented the church in Zambia in Dubai, urged Zambians to remain peaceful and united as they await the arrival of ballot papers and the subsequent casting of votes on August 11, 2016.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia (ISCZ) has said Zambians should trust the team in Dubai on the information they have given regarding the printing and packaging process of ballot papers.
ISCZ Secretary General Sheikh Shaban Abdulamajeed Phiri, who represented other faith based organisations, said it was encouraging that all stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the whole process in Dubai.
And the leader of team Zambia Emily Sikazwe said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) was happy with the work which stakeholders have done during the whole process.
Dr. Sikazwe, who is one of the Commissioners at ECZ, said the unity and the work which stakeholders have done in Dubai was a demonstration that Zambia was ready to strengthen her democratic process.
She said there was transparency and credibility during the team’s stay in Dubai.
The last batch to be transported to the airport in Dubai comprised 189 pallets containing ballot papers for the mayoral/councillor, local government and national assembly elections.
Each of the three levels of elections has 63 pallets of ballot papers.
Yesterday, 155 pallets containing ballot papers for presidential election and the referendum, posters and NRC verification forms were transported to the airport in readiness for delivery to Zambia.
All pallets will have an allowance of 24 hours to allow for cooling in the airport warehouse before being transported to Zambia on Thursday, July 28, 2016.