European Union Election Observation Mission Deploys 32 Short-Term Observers across Zambia
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Zambia today deployed 32 short-term observers across the country to observe election day proceedings for the 13 August general elections.
The short-term observers will reinforce the Mission’s 32 long-term observers, who have been following the electoral process across all ten provinces of Zambia, and the Core Team of 11 election experts based in Lusaka. On election day, the Mission will comprise some 100 observers, including its long-term and short-term observers, a delegation of the European Parliament, and diplomats from EU Member States and Norway.
Prior to their deployment, the short-term observers received briefings in Lusaka on the legal framework, the political context, election-day procedures, security, and the EU’s standard election observation methodology.
Speaking at the deployment of the short-term observers in Lusaka, Deputy Chief Observer, Dr. Beata Martin-Rozumiłowicz said: “This day marks an important stage in the work of the EU Election Observation Mission, as our short-term observers will join long-term observers across Zambia. They will be present in all provinces and in both rural and urban areas, to observe election day procedures, including the opening of polling stations, voting, counting and the tabulation of results. Their work will contribute to the Mission’s independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process.”
The EU EOM has been present in Zambia since late June, following an invitation from the authorities of the Republic of Zambia. The Mission is led by Chief Observer, Michael McNamara, Member of the European Parliament from Ireland.
The Mission observes all aspects of the electoral process, including the legal framework and its implementation, election administration, voter registration, campaign activities, campaign finance, the media environment, online and social media, the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities, voting, counting, tabulation, and the complaints and appeals process.
EU observers are bound by a strict Code of Conduct, which requires neutrality, impartiality and non-interference in the electoral process. The EU EOM adheres to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation endorsed at the United Nations in October 2005. The Mission does not interfere in the elections. Its role is to observe, assess and report.
The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Lusaka on 15 August, two days after election day.