Michael McNamara, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Zambia and Member of the European Parliament from Ireland, officially launched the mission on 16 July 2026 at a press conference in Lusaka. The EU EOM is in Zambia at the invitation of the government to observe the general elections scheduled for 13 August. This is the sixth EU EOM to Zambia; the EU has observed every general election in the country since 2001.
McNamara highlighted Zambia's democratic history, noting that the elections are an opportunity to build on that record. The mission's core team of 11 election experts has been working in Lusaka since late June, and 32 long-term observers will monitor the electoral process across all ten provinces. Around election day, the mission will expand to over 100 observers with the arrival of 32 short-term observers, a delegation of MEPs, and EU Member State diplomats.
The mission is independent and impartial, with observers bound by a strict code of conduct. McNamara stated that the EU has no interest in any particular outcome and urged a vigorous but non-violent campaign, inclusive participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, transparency, and resolution of disputes through dialogue and rule of law.
The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings on 15 August, two days after election day, and will remain in Zambia for the completion of the process, including a possible presidential run-off. A final report with recommendations will be published after the entire process concludes. The mission assesses elections against Zambia's legal framework and international commitments but does not validate results.