The Electoral Commission of Zambia, ECZ says it is extremely disappointed with utterances and accusations that it is colluding with the ruling Patriotic Front to rig the August 11 general elections by printing ballot papers in Dubai.
In a statement to Breeze News, ECZ Public Relations Manager, Chrispin Akufuna says that the commission has merely made its intention to award the tender to Al Ghurair of Dubai in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and Regulations.
He says that people like Public Accounts Committee chairperson, Charles Milupi, former ministers, Edith Nawakwi, Vernon Mwanga and Wynter Kabimba, who have been quoted by the media issuing various statements on the matter, are fully aware of sensitivities of public procurement.
Mr. Akufuna says that ECZ is a body that makes decisions collectively and takes exception to attacks on the commission chairperson, Justice Esau Chulu.
He explained that the commission remains committed to values of accountability, credibility and transparency.
Mr. Akufuna says that representatives of presidential candidates will monitor the entire process of printing ballot papers at the full expense of the commission as has always been the case.
He says that the commission appeals to all those not satisfied with the preparations for the 2016 elections to use established channels of communication to seek clarity rather than make wild and unsubstantiated allegations.
Mr. Akufuna says that no further comment will be made by the commission on the printing of ballot paper tender until the entire process is concluded and the award made to the successful bidder.