Observer Missions Present Preliminary Statements

Observer Missions Present Preliminary Statements

The heads of the international election observation missions presented their preliminary statements this morning at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. Full reports follow within 30 days; the headline findings were as follows.

SADC Electoral Observation Mission, presented by Head of Mission Hon. Samuel B. Tembenu, SC, which deployed 106 personnel from 10 member states across all provinces and observed 277 polling stations. The Mission found the atmosphere calm and peaceful at 275 of the 277 stations observed, police conduct professional at the great majority of stations, and every voter in a queue at closing permitted to vote. At the count, candidates and agents of all parties, together with SADC observers, were granted access to every station observed. On the wider environment, the Mission stated:

"The Mission observed campaign rallies, road shows, public meetings and door-to-door canvassing conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, in most areas of deployment. Most stakeholders consulted, across the governing and opposition benches, the security services, academia and civil society, told the Mission that the environment represented a marked improvement upon that of the 2021 elections, a number attributing this in part to the prohibition of party cadre activity."

The joint African Union–COMESA Mission, presented by Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd, deployed 93 short-term observers from 27 African countries in 33 teams. The Mission noted that "Zambia has demonstrated important democratic gains", while offering recommendations for stakeholders' consideration, and highlighted the Government's fullfunding of the election as demonstrating national ownership of the process, the Mixed Member Proportional Reforms (MMPR), and an active and diverse media environment.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Mission, presented by Head of Mission H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, former President of Botswana, which deployed 100 observers across opening, polling, closing, counting and verification. Dr. Masisi said:

"These observed processes on the main were viewed as transparent, to have been fair, legaland peaceful. "The Mission found polling generally peaceful, most stations compliant with the law, and provision made for expectant mothers and persons with disabilities.

The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Mission, presented by Hon. Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission, which deployed teams to five provinces and observed that election day procedures generally proceeded well, with no reports of widespread intimidation or significant disruptions.

Today's Results Announcements

The ECZ announced this morning that it will announce the next set of results in two sessions today, the first this afternoon from 14:00 and the second at 20:00. The Commission appealed to all stakeholders and members of the public to remain patient as it undertakes this important process, encouraged all to continue in peace and allow the results process to proceed in an orderly manner, and said it will continue to provide regular updates to the nation as the results management process continues.

Transparency International Zambia reported that as at 11:00 this morning, 13% of the 226 constituencies had completed the counting and verification of results, estimating that the ECZ is verifying presidential results from at least 25 constituencies, with 27% of polling stations nationwide having submitted and verified their results at totalling centres.