UN Denies Congratulating Any Candidate in Zambia's Election

The United Nations in Zambia has moved to dismiss false claims circulating on social media that UN observers had congratulated a presidential candidate following the general elections held on 13 August 2026.

In a statement, the UN said it had noted the misleading information with concern, and clarified that it holds no electoral observation mandate in Zambia and deployed no observers for the vote. Any suggestion that the UN or its representatives had endorsed, congratulated or commented on any candidate or outcome, it said, was false.

"The United Nations does not observe national electoral processes unless mandated by the General Assembly or the Security Council," said Ms Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia. "While the UN supports member states in strengthening democratic institutions and encourages compliance with international obligations and commitments, it does not pronounce itself on the validity of an electoral process or the legitimacy of electoral outcomes."

The UN strongly condemned the inappropriate and unlawful use of its emblems, urging the public and media to verify information through official UN channels and to refrain from sharing unverified content that could fuel misinformation.

It also stressed the importance of dialogue in defusing tensions, calling on political leaders to honour the parties' peace pledge and on their supporters to reject any form of violence while awaiting the announcement of results.

Link to statement: https://www.facebook.com/100075982900293/posts/1064359156106838/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=XEqGikqqvU5mhOyF#