THE Electoral Commission of Zambia deserves commendation for the improved transparency in the ballot paper printing process in Dubai where an increased number of political parties, civil society organisations and the media have been involved. From accounts given by those who travelled to Al Ghurair Printing Company, stakeholders were allowed to verify ballot papers, observe serialisation, binding, cutting, packaging and constituency allocation, and seek clarification whenever questions arose. This is how an institution charged with protecting the people’s vote should conduct itself. To our recollection, this is the first time the printing of ballot papers has been subjected to such broad and visible scrutiny to an extent that citizens have a daily video update of what is happening in Dubai....