By SAM PHIRI –
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) commenced the distribution of ballot papers to all districts ahead of the Presidential election on Tuesday.
Political party representatives expressed satisfaction with the ECZ and the ballot papers’ verification process stating that it was transparent and fair.
John Sandwe from the United Party for National Development (UPND) said the ECZ and stakeholders from the participating political parties showed commitment and passion for the process which was on schedule.
“I feel this is the way to go, if we will be going at this pace, we will have no hiccups and all the materials will be verified,” he said.
Mr Sandwe said he was especially happy with the security around the Silverest ECZ verification centre.
Clavel Kasonde from the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) said he was content with the whole process and was sure that the ECZ was going to beat the deadline.
He said the process had been encouraging from South Africa where the ballot papers were printed up to the stage of the verification.
“With such a transparent process, we are at least guaranteed of a free and fair election unless otherwise,” he said.
But Patriotic Front (PF), the MMD and the Heritage Party observed some delays in the process.
Patrick Pikiti of the PF observed some holdups in the process. Mr Pikiti said despite the process being transparent, there was need to be timely.
“Everything is good but I am not happy with the time management by the ECZ though we have tried our best to push them so that we can be on time,” he said.
MMD’s Chiles Kaile and Chisashi Chilufya said they hoped the delay was not going to affect the process and the poling day.
Mr Kaile, however, commended the security system devised around the verification centre and transparency.
“Even us who are known, including the ECZ officials and cars are screened every time we go out and on our way in,” he said.