Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 25 January 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates the people of Zambia for organising an exemplary, successful and peaceful election. The Chairperson is gratified with this violence-free election in Zambia, which sets the pace for the remaining 17 elections planned to take place on our continent in 2015.

The Chairperson congratulates the Zambian Independent Electoral Commission for conducting this peaceful poll which has resulted in the election of H.E. Edgar Lungu, of the ruling Patriotic Front, and also Minister of Defence and Justice as the new President of Zambia.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission congratulates H.E. Edgar Lungu for his victory, and wishes him a successful tenure in office. H.E. Lungu’s mandate runs until elections in 2016, completing the remainder of Late President Micahel Sata's term following his death in October 2014.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission enjoins the newly elected President to continue to nurture unity and development in the interest of the people of Zambia.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma praised Zambians for responding to her call, and those of other leaders made during late President Sata’s funeral, for a peaceful and smooth transition.

Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission