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ECZ to provide checklist of ballot papers

ECZ to provide checklist of ballot papers
By Sheikh Chifuwe in Durban, South Africa
Friday October 10, 2008 [04:00]

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will provide a checklist of all printed ballot papers to some civil society organisations and all participating parties in the October 30 presidential election.

The decision was arrived at after the inspection of printed ballots at the Uniprint plant on Tuesday evening. ECZ chairperson judge Florence Mumba nodded the printing of booklets for all participating parties and civil society organisation representatives in Durban after the printing company's special projects consultant Vik Valid made the proposal.

She said the decision would further allay concerns and fears of possible over-printing of ballot papers and other malpractices raised by some stakeholders.

Responding to Valid's proposal, judge Mumba said: “Let them have them, I have no problem with that.”

And Foundation for Democratic Process (Fodep) president Stanley M'hango said the process would allow for transparency.

Valid also assured that the printing would be completed by yesterday and the ballot papers would be transported to Johannesburg by road tonight where they will remain in a bonded house until Sunday when they are expected to be transported to Lusaka.

“So far, we have printed four million presidential ballot papers and we are remaining with five hundred thousand. Printing will finish tomorrow (Wednesday) and we shall only remain with stitching and packaging,” he assured.

Valid said the aircraft to deliver the ballot papers from Johannesburg to Lusaka had already been chartered.

M'hango applauded ECZ's initiative of involving other stakeholders to observe the printing process of ballot papers.

“It helps to build confidence in the electoral process, especially that ECZ's dealings have come under doubt from members of the public,” he said. “We now need to start planning ahead in terms procuring our own machinery so that we reduce the cost of printing and enhance the monitoring process.”

M'hango expressed happiness that election monitors and participating parties' representatives had raised legitimate concerns which were addressed by both judge Mumba and Uniprint management.

“I would like to appeal to other stakeholders to continue engaging so that things are very clear,” he said. “I know that we still have to deal with the problem of voter secrecy, which is not guaranteed up to now.”

A voter can be traced to the ballot paper after voting through the corresponding serial numbers and voter's card number. However, judge Mumba assured that such concerns would be dealt with in subsequent elections. She said although the previous elections had been credible, she would ensure that legitimate concerns were addressed before the 2011 elections.

Representatives witnessing the printing of papers are from Council of Churches in Zambia, FODEP, Transparency International, Women's Lobby Group, Zambia Police, Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission and the Press Freedom Committee of The Post. Political parties represented include the Heritage Party, MMD, PF and UPND.

Labels: ECZ

posted by MrK @ 3:37 AM