The European Union Exploratory Mission (EXM) to Zambia paid a courtesy call on Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba on March 24, 2026.
The delegation, led by Lydia Malmedie from the European External Action Service, said the visit was aimed at assessing the feasibility of deploying an Election Observation Mission ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.
Malmedie noted that the European Union has been observing elections in Zambia since 2001, using its experience to support and strengthen long-term electoral processes.
She said this support includes providing recommendations and working with key institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the judiciary, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Malmedie added that if deployed, the mission would involve observers operating across the country and would require assurances of safety and freedom of movement during the campaign period and on election day.
Inspector General Musamba assured the delegation that the Zambia Police Service is committed to ensuring peaceful, free, and fair elections.
He stated that Zambia remains responsive and compliant, describing this as one of the country’s key strengths both regionally and globally.
In the EU they don’t have potbellied police chiefs like ours. The delegation must be wondering why police are much fatter than regular Zambian citizens.