Presentation of Findings and Recommendations of the African Union Election Observation Mission to the Republic of Zambian Stakeholders

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novembre 12, 2021

Following the completion of the 12 August 2021 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections in the Republic of Zambia, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, approved the Return Visit of H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Zambia and an experts team to present the Final Report of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Zambian authorities and stakeholders and engage in discussion with them on the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Mission.

The Return Visit, which took place from 8 to 12 November 2021, provided opportunity for H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma and team to discuss with various stakeholders the importance of implementation of the recommendations contained in the AUEOM Final Report, enhancing the quality and credibility of electoral processes, strengthening democratic governance, and ensuring peace and stability in the Republic of Zambia.

The following were the stakeholders consulted:

H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic
H.E. Edgar Lungu, Former President
H.E. Ruphiah Banda, Former President
Hon Mr. Stanley Kakubo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Mr Mulilo Kabesha, Attorney General
Hon. Mr. Jacob Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security
Dr. Emily Joy Sikazwe, Vice Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
Chairman and Members of the Human Rights Commission
Steering Committee of the Christian Churches Monitoring Group
Representatives of Political Parties
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations
Representatives of public and private media
Accredited Diplomats, including African Ambassadors, UK, US, Germany, Ireland, EU Delegation, Japan, etc.
UN Resident Coordinator and heads of relevant UN Agencies

The Return Visit to the Republic of Zambia is the first time that the AU Commission undertook to follow up on the implementation of AUEOM recommendations. This is following a new thinking by the leadership of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security that, if recommendations are not addressed, electoral shortcomings and vulnerabilities are likely to persist, and may worsen. This may have a detrimental impact on the perceived credibility of future electoral processes. The non-fulfilment of recommendations may also contribute to governance challenges, possibly leading to security concerns at the national and regional levels. As a result, the implementation of AUEOM recommendations has become an important area of interest for the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Guy Cyrille Tapoko | Head, Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit | Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security | Email: tapokog@africa-union.org

Mr. Idrissa Kamara, Political/Election Officer | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 912628629 | E-mail: kamarai@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: gamalk@africa-union.org