Politics
ECZ Dismisses Election Rigging Claims, Reaffirms Commitment to Credible Polls
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed as false and misleading allegations circulating on social media, claiming that Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi is training individuals to rig the 2026 General Election. In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the claims…
Picture: Zambia Reports
By ZR Reporter
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed as false and misleading allegations circulating on social media, claiming that Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi is training individuals to rig the 2026 General Election.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the claims, which have been circulating on the candidate’s Facebook page, are malicious and intended to undermine the integrity of Commissioner Chipenzi, the electoral process, and public confidence ahead of the August 13 polls.
The Commission clarified that it is not conducting any secret training aimed at manipulating the election.
Instead, it said preparations for the general election are progressing as planned, with training for District Election Trainers (DETs) scheduled to begin across all provincial centers this week.
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According to the ECZ, the training forms part of its routine election preparations and is designed to equip election officials with the knowledge and skills required to conduct the polls professionally, efficiently, and transparently.
The Commission also rejected claims that pre-marked ballot papers are being printed in Tanzania.
It stated that all ballot papers for the 2026 General Election are being printed by Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the observation of political party representatives, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies, and members of the media.
The ECZ further dismissed allegations that private company Gatbro International is financing illegal electoral activities, describing the claims as baseless.
It explained that the Commission’s operations are funded through the national treasury and not by private entities.
The Commission has since appealed to political players and members of the public to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
It has also encouraged citizens to verify election-related information through official ECZ communication channels rather than relying on unverified claims circulating on social media.
The statement was issued by Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro on behalf of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Source: Zambia Reports — Read more
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