The European Union Delegation to Zambia issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission:

The European Union (EU) has enjoyed a long and productive partnership with Zambia, a champion in promoting peace, security and humanitarianism across southern Africa and beyond.

On the invitation of the Zambian authorities, the EU has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM), the fifth time it has done so in Zambia. The mission has been on the ground since 30 June and will remain until the end of the process to make a thorough assessment of the different aspects influencing the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the elections. The EU EOM’s preliminary findings - covering the period until the day after elections - will be presented by the EU Chief Observer Honourable Maria Arena (Member of the European Parliament) on 14 August. The final report, which will cover the entire electoral process and provide recommendations for improvements for future elections, will be made available later this year.

Elections are a pillar of any democracy - presenting the people with an opportunity to express their views at the ballot box and to shape the future direction of their country. The people of Zambia expect to cast their ballots in a safe and peaceful manner and we call on all stakeholders to play their roles to make this happen.

In this perspective and as a friend of Zambia, the EU calls on all parties to ensure that the electoral process is completed in a safe and peaceful environment, with the rights and freedoms of all citizens fully respected.

For further information, please contact:

Ms Namambo Delot, EU Press Officer

[email protected]