HH Assures Regional Observers of Free and Fair Election

The Great Lakes Region Elections Observer Mission has expressed optimism that Zambia's General Election on 13 August will uphold the democratic principles shared by member states.

Speaking during a courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House in Lusaka, Head of Mission and former President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi said the mission would carry out its work independently and impartially. He confirmed that observers would engage a broad range of electoral stakeholders before providing feedback and presenting a formal report on their findings.

Mr Masisi underlined the value of election observation in strengthening democracy in Zambia, across the region and throughout the continent, and extended his good wishes to President Hichilema and all candidates contesting the election.

In response, President Hichilema pledged that Zambia would work closely with the mission and provide the support required for its operations, assuring observers that the election would be free and fair.

The President noted that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) had undertaken extensive preparations, including sensitising voters on recent constitutional amendments. He acknowledged the additional demands placed on the Commission by the increase in the number of constituencies from 156 to 226, but stressed that it enjoyed the Government's full backing.

President Hichilema described the campaign period as largely peaceful, save for a few sporadic incidents, and expressed confidence that the mission would deliver an independent and objective assessment, benchmarking its findings against the 2021 General Election.