The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has made a significant move by canceling a controversial US$14 million tender awarded to Ren-Form CC, a South African company linked to the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. This tender was for the printing and delivery of ballot papers and other election materials for the 2026 general elections. In a decision that has garnered local and international attention, the ECZ has instead awarded the contract to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing, a well-established company from the United Arab Emirates.
This decision follows Ren-Form CC’s failure to meet the requirements stipulated in the original solicitation document. The ECZ had reissued the tender for electoral materials on May 6, 2024, but Ren-Form CC’s inability to comply with the set standards led to the cancellation. The ECZ’s swift action is seen as a commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process for the upcoming elections and, perhaps more importantly, a move towards greater accountability in how electoral materials are procured.
This cancellation follows mounting concerns raised by Zimbabwean activists based in South Africa. These activists had written to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, urging him to intervene and prevent Ren-Form CC from supplying materials for Zambia’s elections. Their concerns stemmed from Ren-Form’s controversial track record, particularly in Zimbabwe, where the company, in collaboration with Wicknell Chivayo, allegedly secured a US$40 million tender from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the 2023 general elections. The tender was reportedly inflated, with invoices overstated by 235%.
The activists argued that allowing Ren-Form CC to supply election materials to Zambia could destabilize the region, as the company had allegedly worked with individuals and entities of questionable character, including “extortionists and conmen.” Ren-Form CC had also been involved in printing ballot papers for Namibia’s November 2024 elections, sparking public outcry, particularly from opposition groups, who expressed concerns about the integrity of the election process.
The decision to cancel the contract has been praised by many, including Ignatius Sadziwa, the executive director of the Zimbabwe Election and Advocacy Trust. Sadziwa commended the ECZ for setting an exemplary precedent: “Zambia’s Electoral Commission has set a commendable precedent by canceling the contract with Ren-Form CC. This demonstrates the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in electoral processes.” He further suggested that Zimbabwe‘s Electoral Commission (ZEC) could take valuable lessons from Zambia’s actions, particularly regarding the need for stringent vetting processes and greater citizen involvement to enhance the credibility of the electoral system.
Political analyst Ruben Tendai Mbofana echoed similar sentiments, urging Zimbabwe’s electoral authorities to follow Zambia’s example in ensuring the integrity of its election processes. “ZEC should learn from this and ensure that they do not associate with discredited companies like Ren-Form and controversial figures like Wicknell Chivayo,” Mbofana said. He emphasized that the credibility of the electoral commission and the results of the election could only be respected if the processes were transparent and free from the involvement of dubious entities.
Zambian ECZ chief electoral officer, Brown Kasaro, announced that the contract with Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing was officially signed on January 10, 2025. The company is now responsible for providing critical election materials such as ballot papers, posters, blind voter templates, and voter registers for the 2026 elections. Kasaro’s announcement signals a renewed commitment to ensuring the smooth and transparent conduct of Zambia’s upcoming elections.
The cancellation of Ren-Form CC’s contract underscores the growing importance of transparency and accountability in the management of elections across Southern Africa. With election-related corruption and scandals having marred the credibility of electoral processes in various countries, the move by the ECZ serves as an important reminder that electoral commissions must be vigilant in their oversight of contractors and their dealings. The decision to prioritize transparency in the procurement of electoral materials is not only a win for Zambia but also a potential catalyst for reform in other regional electoral bodies, such as ZEC, to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and credible.
In other news – Inside Sir Wicknell Chivayo’s lavish baecation in Mahe Island, Seychelles – Photos
Controversial Zimbabwean millionaire Sir Wicknell Chivayo, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and headline-grabbing antics, is making waves yet again. This time, the business mogul has whisked his new love, Lulu Muteke, away on a luxurious vacation to Mahe Island in the Seychelles, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
Though their relationship is still in its early stages, the couple’s undeniable chemistry has sparked conversations online. Many have observed that their bond feels remarkably strong, as though they’ve known each other for years. Read More
