The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Presidential By-Elections in the Republic of Zambia has declared the elections to have been peaceful, transparent, credible, free, and fair, thus reflecting the will of the people of Zambia in accordance with the National Laws and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
This is contained in the statement released today by Honourable Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, and Head of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission to the Elections in the Republic of Zambia; accompanied by H.E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, SADC Executive Secretary; and Members of the SADC Troika.
The declaration is based on SEOM observations throughout the electoral process. SEOM observed that prior to the election; the political atmosphere was generally peaceful. However, the SEOM noted that there was inter-party intolerance and suspicion which resulted in sporadic incidents of violence. In some instances, gatherings and rallies of some political parties were disrupted by the members of their competing parties during the campaign period.
The SEOM noted that the legislative frameworks guiding the elections included amongst others, the Electoral Code of Conduct which stipulated the duties and responsibilities of stakeholders to the elections, including the public and private media. The Mission observed that there was an attempt by the public and private media to comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct in that respect. The SEOM further noted that campaigning ended at 18:00 hours on 19 January 2015, and that no campaigning took place on the day of the election. Zambian Elections declared Peaceful, Transparent, Credible, Free and Fair by SADC
This is contained in the statement released today by Honourable Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, and Head of the SADC Electoral Observer Mission to the Elections in the Republic of Zambia; accompanied by H.E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, SADC Executive Secretary; and Members of the SADC Troika.
The declaration is based on SEOM observations throughout the electoral process. SEOM observed that prior to the election; the political atmosphere was generally peaceful. However, the SEOM noted that there was inter-party intolerance and suspicion which resulted in sporadic incidents of violence. In some instances, gatherings and rallies of some political parties were disrupted by the members of their competing parties during the campaign period.
The SEOM noted that the legislative frameworks guiding the elections included amongst others, the Electoral Code of Conduct which stipulated the duties and responsibilities of stakeholders to the elections, including the public and private media. The Mission observed that there was an attempt by the public and private media to comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct in that respect. The SEOM further noted that campaigning ended at 18:00 hours on 19 January 2015, and that no campaigning took place on the day of the election. Zambian Elections declared Peaceful, Transparent, Credible, Free and Fair by SADC
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