The Ballot Senior Reporter
Lusaka, August 6, 2026
The Southern African Development Community has officially launched its Election Observation Mission ahead of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 General Elections.
The mission comprises 106 observers drawn from ten SADC Member States and will be deployed across all ten provinces to monitor the electoral process before, during and after polling day.
Head of Mission Honourable Samuel B. Tembenu says the observers will assess the conduct of political parties, respect for human rights, voter education, election security, media coverage, voting and ballot counting, as well as the handling of electoral disputes.
Hon. Tembenu has urged political parties, candidates, supporters and voters to reject violence and uphold peaceful democratic participation.
He has particularly called on young people to play a positive role in ensuring that the August 13 elections are peaceful, free, fair and transparent.
The SADC mission will remain in Zambia throughout the electoral process and is scheduled to issue its Preliminary Statement on August 15, 2026.
© The Ballot 2026