GOVERNMENT PRINTERS URGED TO BID FOR BALLOT PAPER PRINTING

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

THE Government and other printing companies should be encouraged to participate in the tender for the printing and delivery of ballot papers, posters, blind voter templates and announcement forms for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI).

The tender for the printing and delivery of ballot papers, ballot paper posters, blind voter templates and announcement forms for the Electoral Commission of Zambia for a period of three years, has been issued and is open to all eligible bidders, both local and international.

Speaking to The Scoop, CLRI Executive Director Paul Hakoola said that it is a welcome move that ECZ had opened the tender for both local and international bidders as that would ensure that the best bidder with the capacity took up the challenge.

“The issue of printing ballot papers in this country is a very thorny issue and it is an issue that should be taken cautiously as it borders on the whole electoral process. The idea that both local and international bidders can participate is a welcome move because capacity should not be limited. As much as the country is looking at promoting local printers, ensuring capacity is important.

“As much as we want to promote local printers we have to ensure that the company has capacity. There has to be a consideration that the process is well secured,” Mr. Hakoola said.

 He said that it was crucial that the tender be administered following the rules under Open International Competitive bidding procedures as provided for in the Zambia Public Procurement Act. No. 8 of 2020 and Procurement Regulations, 2022.

He said that in a case where the tender was awarded to the Government Printers, it would be good as it would address issues of bias in terms of who printed the ballot papers. 

He further urged the ECZ to continue ensuring that modalities aimed at instilling confidence in the electorate were put in place.