The European Union Election Observation Mission to Zambia has deployed 32 additional observers across the country ahead of the August 13 general elections, expanding its presence as the country approaches polling day. The short-term observers will join 32 long-term observers who have been monitoring the electoral process across all 10 provinces, alongside an 11-member team of election experts based in Lusaka.

By election day, the mission is expected to comprise about 100 observers, including long term and short-term observers, a delegation from the European Parliament, and diplomats representing EU member states and Norway.

The additional observers were briefed in Lusaka before their deployment on Zambia’s legal and electoral framework, the political environment, election day procedures, security considerations and the EU’s standard election observation methodology. The observers will be stationed in both urban and rural areas across the country.

 

Their work will include observing the opening of polling stations, voting, counting and the tabulation of results. Deputy Chief Observer Dr Beata Martin Rozumiłowicz said the deployment represents an important stage in the mission’s work, with observers joining teams that have already been following developments across Zambia. The mission says the observers will contribute to an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process.

 

The EU Election Observation Mission has been in Zambia since late June after being invited by the Zambian authorities. Its work extends beyond activities on election day. The mission has been monitoring several aspects of the electoral process, including the legal framework, election administration, voter registration, campaign activities and campaign financing.

 

It is also assessing the media environment, online and social media activity, and the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities. The mission will additionally follow the voting, counting and results tabulation processes, as well as the handling of complaints and appeals.

 

The EU Election Observation Mission has emphasised that its role is to observe, assess and report rather than intervene in the electoral process. Its observers are required to follow a strict code of conduct based on principles of neutrality, impartiality and noninterference.

 

The mission also operates in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, which was endorsed at the United Nations in 2005. The mission is led by Chief Observer Michael McNamara, a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland.

 

The EU mission is expected to provide an initial assessment of the electoral process after polling. A preliminary statement is scheduled to be released at a press conference in Lusaka on August 15, two days after election day. The deployment of additional observers means the EU will have a significantly expanded presence on the ground as Zambia conducts its general elections, with its teams positioned to assess proceedings from the opening of polling stations through counting and the tabulation of results.

 

For businesses, investors and other stakeholders following Zambia’s political and economic outlook, the observations from international election missions will form part of the broader information available on the conduct of the electoral process and the country’s post election environment.