Electoral Commission proceeds with foreign firms for 2021 ballot printing despite PPDA advice to re-evaluate

The Independent reports that the Electoral Commission has gone ahead with contracts awarding 2021 ballot printing to foreign companies in the UAE, South Africa and the UK, although the PPDA had advised that the tender be halted and re-evaluated to consider local firms. The EC chairperson said local firms lacked capacity and that re-evaluation would endanger the election timetable, while local printers, who had petitioned PPDA alleging unfair treatment and inflated prices, said they had the capacity. According to the article, the contracted firms are now presenting sample ballots to the EC for approval.