The Governance, Elections, Advocacy, and Research Services (GEARS) Initiative Zambia has commended the Electoral Council of Zambia (ECZ) for its timely preparedness, ahead of the 2026 General elections.

GEARS Initiative Zambia, Board Chairperson Lackson Lungu states that the awarding of a contract for printing ballot papers and other election materials to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company of the United Arab Emirates is a sign of the Commission’s readiness.

This is According to a press statement released to ZANIS by GEARS Initiative Zambia Board Chairperson, Lackson Lungu who acknowledged that a Zambian company would have been preferred for the contract, but GEARS understands that the selected company met the standards set by the ECZ.

Meanwhile, the organization has also applauded the ECZ’s plan to commence mass voter registration in the second quarter of this year, which will run for 60 days.

However, GEARS Initiative Zambia has recommended an additional 30 days for the mass registration exercise to ensure that all eligible citizens can register as voters.

Mr Lungu said that the organization has urged ECZ to stick to its announced roadmap and involve all key stakeholders throughout the electoral process to promote transparency and accountability.

GEARS Initiative has called upon all stakeholders to support the ECZ in its efforts to deliver credible elections, emphasizing that the commission’s success is crucial to the nation’s success.

Mr Lungu has also cautioned political parties against viewing the ECZ as a competitor, instead encouraging them to see the commission as a facilitator in the democratic electoral process.