LUSAKA-The SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) has continued its consultations with key stakeholders to gain diverse perspectives on Zambia’s political and electoral environment ahead of the General Elections scheduled for 13 August 2026.
On Sunday, 9 August 2026, the Mission met with the leadership of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), New Heritage Party (NHP) and Alliance for Community Action (ACA).
The engagements provided the political parties with an opportunity to share their experiences, perspectives and concerns regarding the electoral process.
On Monday, 10 August 2026, the Mission held further consultations with Mr. Peter Mwanangombe, Project Manager for the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) of Zambia; Ms. Susan Mwape, Executive Director of Common Cause Zambia; the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter; and the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC), including representatives of women’s organisations.
The Mission also engaged the Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union Election Observation Mission to the Republic of Zambia.
The consultations provided insights into citizen election monitoring, media freedom and access to information, civic participation, the inclusion of women and other groups, as well as the broader political and electoral environment.
These engagements form part of SEOM’s comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process in accordance with the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).