Zambia Prepares for 2026 General Election with SADC and EU Observation Missions

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission is conducting a four‑day refresher training for its observers in Lusaka from 1–4 August, ahead of the official launch on 6 August and deployment across all ten Zambian provinces for the 13 August 2026 general election. SADC head of communications Barbara Lopi said the mission aims to support credible, peaceful elections and will monitor pre‑election, election‑day and post‑election activities.

A European Union Election Observation Mission delegation visited Muchinga Province, meeting Deputy Permanent Secretary Brian Sichande to assess Zambia’s preparedness. The EU team is reviewing voter registration, the independence of the Electoral Commission, constituency delimitation, campaign rules and media conditions, and will remain in the country through the election period to produce a comprehensive report.