Zambia has welcomed the arrival of the SADC Election Observation Mission ahead of the country’s 13 August 2026 General Elections, marking an important step in supporting transparency and confidence in the electoral process. At the Charter House in Lusaka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen received Honourable Samuel B. Tembenu, SC, former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Republic of Malawi and Head of the SADC Election Observation Mission to Zambia. Honourable Tembenu and his delegation arrived in Lusaka on 4 August 2026 and paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary as part of their official preparations before beginning their election observation duties. The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on cooperation, coordination and the role of the mission in monitoring the electoral process. The arrival of the observers highlights the importance of regional collaboration in promoting democratic governance and peaceful elections within the Southern African Development Community region.
During the meeting, Ms. Gundersen reaffirmed the Government of Zambia’s commitment to ensuring that the 2026 General Elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. She emphasized that the Government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to supporting a credible electoral process that reflects the will of the Zambian people. The Permanent Secretary assured the SADC Election Observation Mission that it would receive full government support and accessibility throughout its deployment. This commitment is aimed at allowing observers to carry out their responsibilities effectively while maintaining independence and objectivity. The engagement demonstrated Zambia’s willingness to work with regional institutions to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The SADC Election Observation Mission informed the Permanent Secretary that 106 observers from 10 SADC Member States had undergone training and were prepared for deployment across all 10 provinces of Zambia. The observers will monitor the three stages of the electoral process to assess compliance with established democratic principles and electoral standards. Their presence will provide an independent regional perspective on the conduct of the elections and contribute to transparency during the voting period. Deploying observers across the country will also allow the mission to gather information from different regions and communities. This approach ensures that the assessment of the elections reflects experiences from across Zambia rather than focusing only on selected areas.
The appointment of Honourable Samuel B. Tembenu, SC, as Head of the SADC Election Observation Mission reflects the regional importance attached to Zambia’s upcoming elections. He was appointed by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency President Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Republic of Malawi. With his experience as a former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Tembenu brings knowledge of governance, constitutional matters and democratic processes to the mission. His leadership will guide the observers as they carry out their mandate before, during and after the elections. The appointment also reinforces SADC’s continued role in supporting peaceful political processes among its member states.
Election observation missions play an important role in strengthening democratic institutions by providing impartial assessments of electoral processes. Through observation, regional bodies such as SADC help promote accountability, encourage adherence to electoral procedures and support peaceful transitions of power. The work of observers includes assessing preparations, monitoring voting activities and reviewing the overall environment in which elections take place. Their findings can help identify areas of progress and opportunities for improving future electoral processes. In Zambia’s case, the deployment of the mission represents continued regional engagement in supporting democratic development and stability.
The cooperation between the Zambian Government and the SADC Election Observation Mission reflects the value of partnerships in promoting credible elections. Open communication between government institutions and observers is essential to ensuring that election monitoring activities are conducted smoothly and effectively. By providing access and support to the mission, Zambia is demonstrating its commitment to regional democratic principles and international electoral standards. The presence of observers from different SADC countries will also strengthen regional confidence in the electoral process. Such collaboration contributes to maintaining peace, stability and trust among citizens during an important period in the country’s political calendar.
As Zambia prepares for the 2026 General Elections, the arrival of the SADC Election Observation Mission marks a significant stage in the country’s electoral preparations. The deployment of trained observers across all 10 provinces will provide valuable oversight and support efforts to ensure a transparent and credible process. The engagement between Ms. Gundersen and Honourable Tembenu highlights the importance of cooperation between Zambia and regional partners in promoting democratic values. With continued commitment from government institutions, election stakeholders and observation missions, Zambia aims to conduct elections that uphold fairness, transparency and public confidence. The SADC mission’s presence will remain an important part of ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in line with regional expectations and democratic standards.