The African Union (AU) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) deployed a joint election observation mission to monitor and assess Zambia’s August 13 general elections.
The joint deployment formed part of regional efforts to promote transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral processes across member states, in line with continental democratic governance frameworks. Comprising diplomats, election experts, civil society representatives, human rights advocates, and youth leaders drawn from across Africa, the mission was tasked with observing key stages of the Zambian electoral cycle.
Observers monitored pre-election preparations, voting day procedures, ballot counting, and the consolidation of results to evaluate whether the conduct of the poll aligned with national laws and international standards governing democratic elections. Ahead of polling day, the delegation held briefings with key Zambian stakeholders, including electoral officials, political party representatives, security agencies, media bodies, and civil society groups.
Beyond technical observation, the mission played a role in preventive diplomacy by fostering confidence among political actors and supporting peaceful dialogue across the country.
Following the conclusion of the process, the joint team issued findings and recommendations designed to strengthen future electoral management and democratic institutions in Zambia.
–ChannelAfrica/COMESA–
