Michael McNamara appointed chief EU election observer for Zambia poll

Mr McNamara was appointed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to lead the mission, which is monitoring the elections due to take place on 13 August at the invitation of the Zambian government.

The mission’s core team has been in Zambia since late June and 32 long-term observers are now deployed across the country’s 10 provinces. More than 100 observers, including MEPs, short-term observers and diplomats from EU member states, will be on the ground around polling day.

“The mission is independent and impartial. We have no interest in seeing any particular candidate or party win – who wins is a matter for Zambian voters, and Zambian voters alone,” Mr McNamara said.

He added: “Let the campaign be vigorous, but not violent. Let the process be inclusive, with women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups playing their full part. Let every stage be transparent, because trust in the results is created through transparency. And if disputes arise, let them be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with the rule of law.”