The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed a 106-member regional observer mission across Zambia ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for 13 August.
The SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) was officially launched in Lusaka on Thursday by Samuel Tembenu, former Malawian Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, representing Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika who is chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Tembenu said the mission reflects SADC’s commitment to credible, peaceful, and democratic elections, guided by the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).
Observers drawn from 10 member states – Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe – will be deployed across all ten provinces to monitor campaigning, voting, ballot counting, and dispute resolution.
The mission will assess respect for human rights, equal access to state media, the independence of the Electoral Commission, voter education, election security, and media coverage.
Zambia’s 2026 general elections are expected to be highly contested, with voters choosing a president, members of parliament, and local representatives.
The polls come amid economic challenges and calls for stronger governance, making the credibility of the process critical for stability.
Tembenu urged political parties, candidates, and citizens – especially young people – to reject violence and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. The mission will remain in Zambia throughout the electoral process and issue its preliminary statement on 15 August.
Kula Theletsane, Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, noted that the mission is supported by the SADC Organ Troika, the SADC Electoral Advisory Council, and trained observers from across the region, enhancing professionalism and credibility in election monitoring.
JN/APA