from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially launched its Election Observation Mission (SEOM) to Zambia ahead of next week’s elections.
Samuel Tembenu, former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Malawi, heads the mission, which was launched in Lusaka.
“The mission is more than a ceremonial presence; it is a demonstration of SADC’s continued commitment to strengthening democracy, constitutional governance and peaceful elections across the region,” he said.
The 2026 SEOM comprises 106 personnel drawn from ten SADC member states.
They are from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
The observers will be deployed across all ten provinces of Zambia to observe the pre-election, election day and post-election phases, including campaigning, voting and ballot counting.
Tembenu called upon all registered voters to exercise their democratic rights peacefully on August 13.
The envoy urged political parties, candidates, supporters and citizens, particularly young people, to reject political violence and contribute towards peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections that reflect Zambia’s democratic values.
Violence is rising in Zambia ahead of the elections.
Hakainde Hichilema, the incumbent, and his United Party for National Development (UPND) are seeking re-election.
More than 7,8 million citizens are registered to vote.
– CAJ News