SADC calls for peace ahead of Zambia's August 13 general elections

BY DIRAMAKINI

THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for peace, tolerance, and full citizen participation ahead of Zambia’s General Election scheduled for August 13, 2026.

In a statement issued on August 12, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, said the poll is the sole scheduled general election in the SADC region this year.

“The people of the Republic of Zambia are set to hold their General Election on August 13, 2026 in accordance with their Constitution,” said President Mutharika.

He noted that most SADC Member States demonstrated their unity by deploying a large number of election observers to participate in the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM).

According to Mutharika, the SEOM plays a key role in strengthening democracy through regular, credible, free, fair, and transparent elections. He added that the mission operates under the SADC Principles and Guidelines for Democratic Elections, which emphasize inclusive citizen participation.

“The SEOM is a key part of our community, aimed at strengthening democracy through regular, credible, free, fair, and transparent elections,” he said.

The SADC Chair urged all eligible voters in Zambia to seize the opportunity to influence their country’s leadership by voting peacefully.

“My message today is to emphasize the importance of utmost respect for peace and tolerance, both during and after election day,” he said.

Zambia’s elections are expected to support stable political and economic transitions in the region.