Zambia gov't defends local printing of 2021 ballots

LUSAKA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Zambia will save about 7 million U.S. dollars if ballot papers for the 2021 general elections are printed locally, said a senior government official Thursday.

Zambian Minister of Works and Supply Felix Mutati said during a press briefing that domestic printing of ballots will help the government save a lot of money used to print the papers outside the country and there is no need to be skeptical on the decision.

Last month, Zambian President Edgar Lungu announced that the Printing Department of the government has the capacity to print ballot papers and he will ensure the local printing of ballots for the upcoming general elections.

But critics said the move was meant to help the ruling party rig the elections. Enditem