Chief Observer Michael McNamara launches the EU Election Observation Mission to Zambia’s 13 August General elections

Michael McNamara, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Zambia and Member of the European Parliament from Ireland, officially launched the mission today at a press conference in Lusaka. The EU EOM is in Zambia at the invitation of the Government to observe the general elections of 13 August. This is the sixth EU EOM to Zambia; the EU has observed every general election in the country since 2001.

"Zambia has a well-established history of democracy, beginning with the landmark elections of 1991. Zambians' right to freely choose those who govern them is both enshrined in their Constitution and entrenched in their political tradition. These elections are an opportunity to build on that proud record," the Chief Observer said. "In four weeks' time, millions of Zambians across all ten provinces will make their choices at the ballot box. It is an honour to be here to witness this important democratic moment."

During his visit, the Chief Observer is meeting key electoral stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia, State authorities, political parties and presidential candidates, citizen observer groups, civil society, the media and the diplomatic community.

The mission's core team of 11 election experts has been working in Lusaka since the end of June, and its 32 long-term observers - the mission's "eyes and ears" - will be following the electoral process across all ten provinces, meeting election officials, candidates, parties, civil society and the media. Around election day, the mission will grow to more than 100 observers with the arrival of 32 short-term observers, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament, and diplomats from EU Member States.

The mission is independent and impartial, and its observers are bound by a strict code of conduct requiring neutrality and non-interference. "We have no interest in seeing any particular candidate or party win - who wins is a matter for Zambian voters, and Zambian voters alone," said Mr McNamara. Setting out his hopes for the process, he added: "Let the campaign be vigorous but not violent. Let the process be inclusive, with women, young people and persons with disabilities as well as other marginalised groups taking their full part. Let every stage be transparent - because transparency is what creates trust in the result. And if disputes arise, let them be pursued through dialogue and in accordance with the rule of law."

The EU EOM will present its initial findings in a preliminary statement at a press conference in Lusaka on 15 August, two days after election day, and will remain in the country for the completion of the process, including a possible presidential run-off. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be published after the entire process has concluded.

The mission assesses the elections against Zambia's legal framework, and the international and regional commitments Zambia has subscribed to. It does not validate results, and its findings are independent of EU institutions and Zambian stakeholders.

For further information about the mission, please contact:

Marek Mracka, Press Officer, [email protected],

Mainza Kawanu, Press Officer Assistant, [email protected],