ECZ REFUTE CLAIMS OF SUSPENDING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF BALLOT PAPERS IN KALULUSHI

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Kalulushi District has moved swiftly to quell growing anxieties and dispel misinformation surrounding the tabulation process of the general elections. Kalulushi District Electoral Officer, Betty Liswaniso, addressed journalists and political stakeholders directly at the district totaling centre to categorically reject rumors alleging that the electoral body had suspended the announcement of ballot papers or results due to irregularities. Ms. Liswaniso explained that any brief pauses observed during the aggregation of votes were purely logistical measures rather than signs of tampering or systemic failure. She clarified that temporary halts occurred strictly to accommodate polling staff traveling from distant and outlying polling stations to deliver ballot boxes and physical result forms securely to the central collation venue. Stressing the transparency of the exercise, she noted that the district administration has operated under the watchful eyes of accredited party agents and election monitors from the outset. Expressing profound disappointment, the District Electoral Officer rebuked certain digital platforms and media outlets for peddling unverified reports designed to cause panic and cast unwarranted aspersions on the credibility of the polls. She pointed out that out of the total polling stations in the district, a significant number of results had already been successfully processed and announced in an orderly fashion without any formal complaints being lodged by recognized political party representatives at the center. Political stakeholders and observers stationed at the Kalulushi Civic Centre were urged to remain calm, exercise patience, and rely exclusively on official channels for updates as the remaining returns trickled in from remote wards. Ms. Liswaniso reiterated the Commission's unwavering commitment to upholding electoral integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout every phase of the democ