The European Union has announced it will deploy an election observation mission to Zambia to assess whether the country’s 13 August general election complies with national laws and international democratic standards.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has appointed Member of the European Parliament Michael McNamara as chief observer.
This will be the EU’s sixth observation mission to Zambia since 2001 and McNamara pledged that the bloc will offer an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process, drawing on Zambia’s legal framework and regional and international norms.
An 11‑member core team of election experts is expected to arrive at the end of June, followed by 32 long‑term observers who will deploy across the country.
Observer modalities
Another 32 short‑term observers will join closer to election day.
In line with EU methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement shortly after voting and release a final report with recommendations once the entire electoral process is concluded.
Zambia heads to the polls on 13 August to elect a president, members of parliament and local government leaders in a contest shaped by economic pressures, cost‑of‑living concerns and heightened political competition.
International observers are expected to play a key role in assessing the credibility of the vote as campaigning intensifies.
Incumbent Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is actively contesting the upcoming general elections as he seeks a second five-year term in office.
Hichilema was officially declared the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and its presidential candidate at the party’s 2026 general assembly in Lusaka on Wednesday, 15 April.
