News / National
Chivayo-linked Ren Form CC will no longer print Zambia ballot papers
21 hrs ago | Views
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has awarded a three-year contract to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing of the United Arab Emirates to print and deliver ballot papers and other election materials. This decision follows the withdrawal of a contract with Ren Form CC of South Africa, which failed to meet the required conditions outlined in the solicitation document.
Ren Form CC, which had previously been linked to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, won a similar tender for Zimbabwe's 2024 elections. The company was embroiled in allegations of inflating election-related costs in a US$100 million deal with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The opposition in Zambia, echoing sentiments from Zimbabwe's experience, raised concerns about Ren Form CC's involvement in Namibia's election tender last year. The Popular Democratic Party (PDP) objected to the contract, citing Chivayo's alleged corrupt dealings as a significant threat to the integrity and credibility of national elections.
In response, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro announced the decision to engage the second-best evaluated bidder, Al Ghurair Printing.
During a media briefing in Lusaka, Kasaro informed the public of the development and emphasized the Commission's commitment to a transparent electoral process.
Kasaro also revealed that a mass voter registration exercise will be conducted in the second quarter of 2025 in preparation for the 2026 General Elections. The registration will run for 60 days, ensuring an extensive and inclusive voter roll for the upcoming polls.
Furthermore, the Certification of the Register of Voters for the 2026 General Election will be carried out in April 2026. This process aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral system and maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
Ren Form CC, which had previously been linked to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, won a similar tender for Zimbabwe's 2024 elections. The company was embroiled in allegations of inflating election-related costs in a US$100 million deal with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The opposition in Zambia, echoing sentiments from Zimbabwe's experience, raised concerns about Ren Form CC's involvement in Namibia's election tender last year. The Popular Democratic Party (PDP) objected to the contract, citing Chivayo's alleged corrupt dealings as a significant threat to the integrity and credibility of national elections.
During a media briefing in Lusaka, Kasaro informed the public of the development and emphasized the Commission's commitment to a transparent electoral process.
Kasaro also revealed that a mass voter registration exercise will be conducted in the second quarter of 2025 in preparation for the 2026 General Elections. The registration will run for 60 days, ensuring an extensive and inclusive voter roll for the upcoming polls.
Furthermore, the Certification of the Register of Voters for the 2026 General Election will be carried out in April 2026. This process aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral system and maintain public confidence in the democratic process.
Source - ZNBC
