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Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed deep concern over alleged irregularities in the procurement process for Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) equipment and software ahead of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections.
According to rumoured reports, two companies—Miru Systems, which has a controversial global track record, and Starlab, a largely unknown entity—have progressed to the final stage of the tender process under questionable circumstances.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lusaka, TI-Z Executive Director, Maurice Nyambe, alleged that both companies failed to meet basic eligibility criteria, particularly the submission of audited financial statements.
Nyambe further claimed that a disqualified bidder successfully appealed its exclusion through the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), while stronger contenders were inexplicably left out of the process.
“Multiple whistleblowers have come forward with evidence pointing to possible internal interference by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) officials aimed at influencing the outcome,” he said.
Nyambe said: “This raises serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the entire process.”
Nyambe warned that if left unaddressed, the reported irregularities could jeopardize the credibility of the 2026 elections and erode public trust in Zambia’s democratic institutions.
He stressed that voter registration was the foundation of electoral legitimacy, and any compromise could affect both current and future elections.
TI-Z is calling for the immediate suspension of the current due diligence process and an urgent, independent review.
Nyambe also demanded full disclosure of all shortlisted bidder profiles, evaluation criteria, and justifications for the exclusion of certain companies.
Additionally, he urged law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, to investigate allegations of procurement manipulation.
Referencing remarks made by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa at the Integrity Committee CEOs Forum on November 1, 2024, Nyambe echoed the need for decisive action against institutional corruption.
Kangwa had warned that corruption flourishes when senior officials ignore wrongdoing within their institutions.
“We agree with that position and stress that failure to act on these revelations will undermine the government’s stated commitment to fighting corruption as outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Policy,” Nyambe said.
He concluded by stating that Zambia could not afford a flawed procurement process that undermines electoral integrity. TI-Z’s motivation, he emphasized, was to safeguard Zambia’s democratic values, urging public institutions to act transparently and take corrective measures where necessary.
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