In response to an invitation by the Zambian authorities, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Zambia to observe the Presidential, Parliamentary, Mayoral and Council Chairpersons, and Local Government elections which are scheduled for 11 August. This is the fourth time that the European Union is observing elections in Zambia (previously in 2001, 2006 and 2011), which reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country.
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, appointed as Chief Observer Cecile Kashetu Kyenge, Member of the European Parliament.
The High Representative stated: “The upcoming elections are expected to be one of the most competitive in the country’s history and can further consolidate Zambia’s track record for well-run elections. I trust that these forthcoming elections will be transparent and peaceful, with all sides refraining from actions and statements that may incite violence. Of course, all parties should abide by the law and resolve any election dispute through dialogue and available legal remedies. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Kyenge, I am confident that the EU EOM will make an important contribution to this electoral process”.
The Chief Observer, Kyenge, declared: “I am honoured to lead the EU EOM to Zambia. The forthcoming general elections will be a key moment in the country’s development, and I trust they will set an example of democratic consolidation.”
The EOM Core Team of seven EU election analysts arrived in Zambia on 29 June and will stay in the country until the completion of the elections, to prepare a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process. On 11 July the Core Team was joined by 24 long-term observers, and later, on 5 August by additional 56 short-term observers who will be deployed across the country. Also a delegation of the European Parliament and Zambia-based diplomats from EU Member States will reinforce the mission on election day. The EU EOM stands ready to cooperate with other international observation missions.
At the request of the Zambian authorities, the deployment of an EU EOM aims to contribute at enhancing the transparency of the process, the respect for fundamental freedoms and emphasises the importance of further follow up to EOM recommendations. The EU supports African efforts to reinforce the democratisation process across the continent. Since 2000, more than 70 election observation missions have been deployed by the EU in Africa.
Time Africa also starts sending observer missions to elections in Western Nations. Where are our Civil Society members mwebantu? Arise and be counted go observe western elections and present special mission reports if you have to arrest this enduring horse and rider culture. World over democracy has holes and its WIP because its yet to be perfect. Go ask Al Gore, B Sanders, Trump and all casualties of Primaries not mentioning Britons in a country where staffing 10 Downing Street is a often a task left to few partisan ideologues overnight.
@Senior citizen,
Kindly advise. How much has EU borrowed from Zambia in form of bonds an otherwise, for Zambian tax payer to have grounds on which to insist on sending observer missions to elections in EU?
I, on the other hand, am very pleased to note that as a tax payer in EU, someone from here is going to observe the elections in my home Country Zambia. My tax money formed the Eurobonds Lungu’s govt got.
Yes please send 1000 observers so that each province has 100 each. Further, let NATO deploy the military in a neighboring country in case Lungu tries if he tries to manipulate the elections. Let there be a strong message like RB was told that he should not temper with the will of people. A lot has gone wrong in the country and all well meaning Zambians will definitely not vote for an incompetent and brutal person.
@Senior Citizen Unless Africa can pick up their own tab (financially) they ain’t traveling to monitor elections in the Western world soon! Some institutions in Africa have completely broken down like Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) waiting one week to finalise printing of ballot papers because one ruling party official went to airport late! My foot!
Yes @ Senior Citizen African Observers can go to monitor elections in Europe as a learning and fact finding mission. SO they go and learn how other do it efficiently,in a civilised manner devoid of violence and on a the same level playing field. Let them go and learn that elections and politics is about public service and sacrifice and not a money enriching scheme where you want to hang onto power for 100 years until death, ala Mugambe. Sure I believe they get invited but they are not capable of learning as greedy runs in the veins.
Welcome EU. We as Zambians are doing it again. We shall show the world that Zambia is a peaceful country though this Under 5, HH almost set this country into fire but he has lost yet again. keep your close eyes on the opposition UPND and see the rigging maneuvers in Southern Province, pay special attention to the age of some young voters in Southern Province where the UPND connived with tradition leaders and issued NRCs to under age boys and girls in order to register them as voters. This was purely based on tribal gimmicks by HH, UPND and Chiefs in Southern Province where he comes from. This is my brief introduction on some of the loophole for rigging this years elections by the opposition UPND. Stay well in Zambia and remain non partisan.
Dear EU, as you do your assignment in Zambia, do not have an impression that Violence is promoted by the ruling party. This is not the case here. In Zambia we have a party that has a violent running mate who up to now is appearing in the courts of law for using his riches to sponsor youths to cause confusions during this time of elections. His president is equally a bitter violent person who is on record of insulting Police officers, ECZ officials, etc. Watch out for these two guys and follow them closely. There plan is to use cadres to provoke the gvt and police so that they blame the police when they react as they strive to main peace in the country. Please keep you eyes on HH (very bitter man)and GBM ( He beats marketeers and he beats his wife-GBV). Very dangerous leaders.
@Senior Citizen, please stop exposing your ignorance to the public…that is a preserve for Edgar Lungu…anyway African Authorities always go to observe elections in Europe and the USA
@Senior Citizen
Frustrated cadre you are, enjoy your tyrant leader’s rule while you’re still at it. 11th August is so near broh!
Yes please send 1000 observers so that each province has 100 each. Further, let NATO deploy the military in a neighboring country in case Lungu tries if he tries to manipulate the elections. Let there be a strong message like RB was told that he should not temper with the will of people. A lot has gone wrong in the country and all well meaning Zambians will definitely not vote for an incompetent and brutal person.
We warmly welcome the EU observers in Zambia. Please put our dear country back on the world map.
EU observer must also note that African leaders, like one currently in Zambia never adhere to democratic processes and prefer to dictate to their citizens. African leaders who take over government are usually not well equipped with leadership skills, knowledge and competences of governance. They take over power to suppress, and oppose their own citizens. They fail to look after their own people, hence the rise in child morality, hunger and poverty. Zambia is a rich country, we have resources to enhance development and kick out hunger, diseases and poverty; but our government will not allow it. Our government is there to oppress and harass its citizens. There are no drugs in our hospitals,…
@Senior citizen
We need them to monitor us because of the way parties in power mistreat the opposition. They do their elections in a civilised way.
You do not see or hear what the PF is doing to disadvantage the opposition because you are either a selfish and cruel individual or plain dumb.
Yes we should be sending not civil society but our politicians to go and see how civilised societies practice democracy.
Apes like radicalised Muslims are now busy killing innocent people in the civilised world because they want to destroy governance models that give people self esteem. I am a disgusted black village born african Zambian. Go ahead and say your rubbish for what I have written. Useless.