European Union Acknowledges Zambian General Election Results

Zambia: The European Union has recognized the announcement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia regarding the results of the general elections held on 13 August, which resulted in the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema. The EU's acknowledgment comes as part of its ongoing support for Zambia's democratic governance.According to European Union, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), which was invited by the Zambian authorities, was deployed throughout the country. This deployment reflects the EU's commitment to supporting democratic processes in Zambia. The EU EOM's preliminary findings indicated that election day was generally calm, with efficient voting processes and a range of competitive choices available to voters. However, the mission also noted that restrictions on campaigning and benefits associated with incumbency contributed to an uneven playfield.The latest statement from the EU EOM highlighted serious incidents and procedural irregularities during the counting and ta bulation processes, which affected the transparency and credibility of the elections. Despite these challenges, the EU encourages all stakeholders in Zambia to continue building on the country's strong democratic record. It urges that any grievances be addressed peacefully and constructively through established legal procedures, and emphasizes the importance of investigating any reported violence with full accountability.The European Union values its longstanding partnership with Zambia and remains committed to working together towards a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future for the people of Zambia.