Citizens First party insists on transparency in Zambia’s electoral processes

The Citizens First (CF) Party has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure transparency in all ballot paper tendering processes.

Following the cancellation of the previous tender in March 2024, the Commission has re-advertised the tender for printing and delivering various electoral materials.

In March, the ECZ canceled the tender citing significant changes in the bidding conditions outlined in the solicitation document.

Harry Kalaba, CF’s president, stated in a Wednesday press release in Lusaka that the Commission should only award the contract to capable bidders.

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Kalaba alleged, “The UPND government is known for awarding contracts to questionable companies that often fail to meet criteria.”

He expressed caution regarding the Commission’s decision to re-advertise the tender, emphasizing the importance of fair elections in the country’s democratic process.

Kalaba stressed the need for the ECZ to handle elections carefully to prevent stirring emotions among citizens already burdened by economic challenges.

“We’ve witnessed the ECZ being used to exclude certain political parties from by-elections by rejecting candidates,” he added.

Kalaba expressed hope that what he termed as questionable conduct would not extend to the 2026 General Elections.

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