Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 September 2016: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma wishes to congratulate President Edgar Lungu on his re-election and inauguration as President of the Republic of Zambia on 13 September 2016. President Lungu emerged victorious following the general elections as well as the constitutional referendum held in Zambia on 11 August 2016.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission also congratulates the people of Zambia for turning up in numbers and peacefully exercising their right to vote. She applauds the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for organising successful and smooth elections, and, further, commends the political leaders and their supporters for using legal channels to seek redress in electoral disputes. Choosing this option, Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted, goes a long way to deepen democratic processes and values in the country, and therefore, preserving the peace and stability the country has enjoyed since independence.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission notes the decision made by the Lusaka High Court and the Constitutional Court to examine and pronounce themselves on the electoral disputes lodged by the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Dr Dlamini Zuma urges political leaders and all Zambians to accept the decision made by these highest legal institutions in Zambia.