EU Election Observation Mission to Zambia 2011

Following an invitation from the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the European Union has established a mission to observe the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Zambia, scheduled for 20 September 2011.

The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is led by Chief Observer Maria Muñiz De Urquiza, a Spanish member of the European Parliament.

The mission is comprised of a total of around 100 experts and observers from 23 EU member states as well as Norway. The observers are to be deployed throughout the country to observe the electoral process and to meet government and electoral officials, candidates and political parties, civil society representatives and the media.

The mission conducts a comprehensive analysis of the entire electoral process based on long-term observation. This analysis includes the legal framework, the work of the election administration, the role of state institutions, campaign activities, the conduct of the media, the role of civil society, voting and counting, the complaints and appeals process and the announcement of the results.

During the days over the election the mission will be joined by a delegation from the European Parliament.

The mission is independent of any EU institution or member state. Its purpose is to offer an impartial assessment of the elections and their compliance with Zambia's international and regional commitments and obligations with regard to democratic elections, as well as with Zambian law.

The EU EOM is to issue a preliminary statement shortly after the Presidential and National Assembly elections. A final report, with recommendations for future elections, will be published later. The members of the mission remain neutral and abide by the EU election observation code of conduct and Zambian law.