Zambia: Transparency now key as democratic expectations tested in competitive but uneven playing field

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Zambia today presented its Preliminary Statement on the 13 August 2026 general elections. Critical stages of the electoral process, including the tabulation of results, are still ongoing. The statement, therefore, only reflects the mission's findings to date and the EU EOM will continue to observe and assess the remaining stages of the process before its final assessment. The Delegation of Members of the European Parliament, led by Reinhold Lopatka (MEP), fully endorsed the mission's statement. "The elections offered Zambian voters a competitive choice, and election day was calm overall with polling staff efficiently facilitating voting in polling stations observed by the EU EOM. At the same time, the broader electoral process took place in an environment that limited fundamental freedoms. Late legal changes, legal uncertainty, and unequal campaign conditions distorted the playing field" said Michael McNamara, Chief Observer of the EU EOM. Zambia's legal framework constitutes an adequate basis for democratic elections. However, significant changes, including to the electoral system, were adopted only three months ago. This