GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO EU ELECTION OBSERVATION REPORT Government says it has taken note of the European Union Election Observation Mission final report on the 2026 General Elections. In a media statement, Minister of Information and Media Elvis Nkandu stated that the Government appreciates the mission’s acknowledgement that the elections offered Zambians a competitive choice and […]

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO EU ELECTION OBSERVATION REPORT

Government says it has taken note of the European Union Election Observation Mission final report on the 2026 General Elections.

In a media statement, Minister of Information and Media Elvis Nkandu stated that the Government appreciates the mission’s acknowledgement that the elections offered Zambians a competitive choice and that the Electoral Commission of Zambia was well prepared.

Nkandu, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, added that Zambia welcomes constructive observations that contribute to strengthening democratic institutions.

He observed that the Government was not afforded sufficient opportunity to provide historical, institutional and security context for several issues underpinning significant conclusions in the report.

Nkandu noted that certain findings therefore risk presenting an incomplete picture of Zambia’s democratic journey.

He advanced that successive administrations have undertaken constitutional and electoral reforms during election years, including under Presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema.

Nkandu said that the historical record demonstrates that electoral laws have been amended under multiple administrations across different political eras.

He affirmed that conclusions relating to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation appeared to have been reached without adequate engagement with the broadcaster.

Nkandu emphasised that ZNBC provides commercial airtime to all political parties and stakeholders on equal commercial terms.

He noted that coverage of sitting Presidents by ZNBC is a historical feature that predates the current administration and has been evident under successive governments.

Nkandu said that election observation missions can only provide an assessment of what they directly observe and may not possess all intelligence, security information or national security assessments available to sovereign state institutions.

He affirmed that the Government remains committed to engaging all stakeholders, including the European Union, political parties, civil society organisations and media institutions, in strengthening Zambia’s democratic processes.