ECZ scoffs at rigging allegations

…defends Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi from accusations that he has been training selected people to rig next month’s general election

By BARNABAS ZULU

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed allegations that a commissioner, Mr McDonald Chipenzi is training people to rig the August 13, 2026 General Election, describing the claims as false and malicious.

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Mr Brown Kasaro said the allegations, circulating on social media were intended to undermine the integrity of Mr Chipenzi, the commission and the country’s electoral process.

Mr Kasaro said the commission was not conducting any secret training as alleged but was this week commencing the official training of District Election Trainers (DETs) across all provincial centres in preparation for the general election.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia strongly refutes the malicious and misleading allegations circulating on the candidates facebook page claiming that Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi is training individuals to rig the 2026 general Election.

These claims are entirely false and deliberately orchestrated to undermine the integrity of Commissioner Chipenzi, the electoral process and create unnecessary public panic ahead of the polls on 13th August, 2026,” Mr Kasaro said.

He explained that all ECZ training programmes were publicly announced through its official communication platforms and were designed to equip electoral staff with the skills required to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

“Contrary to the false narrative of a ‘secret’ operation, no such training is currently underway. Instead, the ECZ is scheduled to commence training for District Election Trainers across all provincial centres this week in preparation for the upcoming general election,” he said.

Mr Kasaro also dismissed allegations that pre-marked ballot papers were being printed in Tanzania.

He said ballot papers for the 2026 general election were being printed by Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the observation of representatives from political parties, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies and the media.

“The allegation that pre-marked ballots are being printed in Tanzania is a complete fabrication. The Commission wishes to restate that ballot papers for the 2026 general election are being printed at Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and nowhere else,” Mr Kasaro said.

He also dismissed claims that Gatbro International was financing illicit electoral activities, saying the commission’s operations were funded through the State Treasury.

Mr Kasaro urged political players and the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and encouraged stakeholders to verify all election-related information through the ECZ’s official communication channels.

Ends.