About the EOM Zambia 2026

About the EU Election Observation Mission to Zambia, 2026

The EU has a long history of Election Observation Missions to Zambia and has observed all general elections since 2001 - reflecting the EU’s commitment to democratic values and its partnership with the country.

The mandate of the EU EOM Zambia 2026 is to assess the elections in line with Zambia’s national legal framework and the international and regional standards and commitments Zambia has made regarding democratic elections. The Mission will provide a fact-based, comprehensive, independent and impartial analysis of the entire electoral cycle, in line with the established EU methodology for election observation.

Background to EU Election Observation

The European Union is a globally recognised actor in international election observation. Since 2000, the EU has deployed more than 180 Election Observation Missions in over 65 countries across the world.

Following the EU election observation methodology, EU EOM observers do not interfere in the electoral process and have no mandate to change or correct any shortcomings. All EU election observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines that guarantee their neutrality and impartiality.

The EU EOM operates in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under United Nations auspices in 2005, and now signed by more than 50 international organisations involved in election observation worldwide, including on the African continent.

The EU EOM does not legitimise the electoral process, validate election results, or comment on the results as such. It has a mandate to observe, collect and analyse information concerning the electoral process and to ensure that all findings and conclusions are based on carefully verified information.

The EU EOM Zambia 2026 is independent in its findings and conclusions. It operates autonomously from the EU Delegation to Zambia, EU Member States and EU institutions. The Mission is also independent of Zambian authorities, political parties, candidates and institutions.

The Mission

The European Union Election Observation Mission to Zambia 2026 is led by Michael McNamara, a Member of the European Parliament from Ireland.

The Mission is composed of a Core Team of 11 election experts based in Lusaka, 32 Long-Term Observers deployed across the country, and 32 Short-Term Observers who will join the Mission around election day. The Core Team includes specialists in political analysis, electoral processes, legal affairs, press and communications, media monitoring, social media, observer coordination and data analysis. It is also supported by logistical, security and administrative experts.

Long-Term Observers will be deployed across Zambia from mid-July 2026 to follow the electoral process in the field ahead of election day. They will meet with election officials, candidates, political parties, civil society organisations, media representatives and other stakeholders in the areas where they are deployed, and will report regularly to the Core Team on electoral preparations, the campaign environment, respect for fundamental freedoms, and other relevant developments.

Short-Term Observers will join the Mission shortly before election day to observe the opening of polling stations, voting, counting and the tabulation of results. The Mission might also be reinforced on election day by observers from EU diplomatic missions accredited to Zambia, as well as from partner countries such as Norway, Switzerland and Canada, where applicable and confirmed.

The EU EOM will remain in Zambia until the completion of the key stages of the electoral process. Following election day, the Mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference on 15 August 2026. In the event of a presidential run-off in September 2026, a second preliminary statement will follow 48 hours after.

Mission Assessment Areas

The Mission will assess all aspects and stages of the electoral process, including:

• the legal framework and its implementation
• the performance of the election administration, including the use of technology
• the role of state institutions
• voter registration
• candidate nomination and registration
• campaign activities and campaign finance
• the overall election environment, including respect for fundamental freedoms, civil and political rights
• the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities
• the participation of civil society and citizen observer groups
• the conduct of traditional media, including public and private broadcasters
• the online information environment, including social media
• voting, counting and tabulation
• the complaints and appeals process
• the announcement and publication of results

Reporting

Following the EU election observation methodology, the Mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference shortly after election day. The preliminary statement will present the Mission’s initial findings and conclusions on the electoral process up to that stage.

A final report, including detailed findings and recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with Zambian stakeholders after the finalisation of the electoral process. The recommendations are intended to support future electoral reform and to contribute to strengthening democratic processes in Zambia.