The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has awarded a significant tender for the printing and delivery of essential election materials, including ballot papers and voter registers, in preparation for upcoming by-elections and the 2026 general elections.
The contract goes to Ren-Form CC Printing Group, a South African company linked to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who has faced accusations of inflating prices and bribery during previous elections.
Chivayo scored contracts worth over US$100 million to supply election materials including ballot papers, ink and tents during Zimbabwe’s elections in August last year.
The company was accused of inflating prices of certain goods by more than 400 percent, amid claims that it won the contracts by bribing senior Zimbabwe government officials.
According to the contract details, the budget for the by-elections is set at USD$36.35, while general elections will have three pricing options based on candidate numbers: USD$3,561,200 for up to six candidates, USD$4,351,000 for seven to eleven candidates, and USD$5,752,400 for twelve to nineteen candidates. An additional USD$1,095,000 is allocated for the second presidential ballot.
The ECZ’s Procurement Department will hold debriefings for participating bidders, allowing objections to be raised within five days of the announcement, with a deadline for objections set for 1st November 2024.
By Lavender Chabata
