Transparency Now Key as Democratic Expectations Tested in Zambia’s Competitive but Uneven Election Playing Field

Lusaka: The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Zambia today presented its Preliminary Statement on the 13 August 2026 general elections. Critical stages of the electoral process, including the tabulation of results, are still ongoing. The statement, therefore, only reflects the mission's findings to date and the EU EOM will continue to observe and assess the remaining stages of the process before its final assessment. The Delegation of Members of the European Parliament, led by Reinhold Lopatka (MEP), fully endorsed the mission's statement.According to African Press Organization, Michael McNamara, Chief Observer of the EU EOM, observed that the elections offered Zambian voters a competitive choice and that election day was calm overall with polling staff efficiently facilitating voting in polling stations observed by the EU EOM. However, he noted that the broader electoral process took place in an environment that limited fundamental freedoms. Late legal changes, legal uncertainty, and unequal campaign conditions distorted the playing field.Zambia's legal framework constitutes an adequate basis for democratic elections. However, significant changes, including to the electoral system, were adopted only three months ago. This made it difficult to implement all changes adequately and for stakeholders to be aware of them, leading to uncertainty regarding the procedures.Referring to the pause of the process yesterday, the Chief Observer pointed out that there is concern due to this pause. He emphasized the importance of transparency, clear communication, and strict adherence to procedure for guaranteeing public confidence in the process. He also advocated for disaggregated data at polling station level to be made publicly available.Reinhold Lopatka, the Head of the European Parliament Delegation, commented on the lack of equity in the campaign which led to distrust. He called on all political leaders to ensure that their supporters refrain from violent acts and that any disputes regarding the electoral process should be addressed peacefully through established legal procedures.Positive legal steps included the Access to Information law and the repeal of criminal defamation of the president. However, the impact of these reforms was limited by gaps in implementation and other restrictive measures. The registration of candidates was inclusive, transparent, and timely, though women's participation as candidates was minimal. Advantages of incumbency blurred the line between state and party, while campaign-related violence and uneven law-enforcement responses contributed to an unlevel playing field.The media operated with relative freedom, but recently introduced cyber laws and their application contributed to concerns among journalists and online users. Additionally, state-owned media coverage was heavily biased.The EU EOM is independent and impartial and does not interfere in the electoral process. Its findings are based on direct observation and verified information, and its work is conduct ed in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.