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The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Mpika says it remains committed to ensuring transparency, credibility and fairness in the electoral process ahead of tomorrow’s General Elections. The Commission made the assurance following a ballot paper verification exercise conducted at the Mpika Town Council Chambers in Mpika District in Muchinga Province. The exercise was witnessed by various election stakeholders who participated in the verification process. Mpika District Electoral Officer Samuel Musenga said the verification exercise was necessary and conducted in accordance with Zambia’s electoral processes and procedures. Mr Musenga said the exercise was important as it helped to dispel any doubts among stakeholders ahead of the general elections. He expressed satisfaction with the active participation of stakeholders in the exercise, saying their involvement was key to promoting transparency, accountability and credibility in the electoral process. Mr Musenga further disclosed that the deployment of poll staff had commenced in Mpika District and that all poll staff would be fully deployed by today. He said the ECZ was working tirelessly to ensure that all logistical arrangements were completed ahead of polling day. Meanwhile, stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the ballot paper verification exercise conducted in Mpika District. Mpika District Southern Africa Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) Coordinator Tresfold Chifwalo said the verification exercise was conducted smoothly without any problems. Mr Chifwalo said the exercise had given stakeholders confidence in the credibility of the forthcoming elections. “ECZ must continue engaging all stakeholders as it promotes the true meaning of democracy and transparency,” he said. And Mpika North Constituency Returning Officer Donatello Singa disclosed that all poll staff in Mpika District would be deployed using road transport. Mr Singa said arrangements for the deployment of election materials and personnel to polling stations across the district were underway. “Residents of Mpika District should turn out in large numbers and exercise their civic right to vote on August 13,” he said.