interim statement
EISA Regional Observer Mission to the Zambia 2006 Tripartite Elections 28 September 2006
Lusaka, Saturday 30 September 2006
1 Introduction
The EISA Observer Mission to the Zambian Tripartite Elections has made its assessment of the poll and its preliminary findings and recommendations are presented in this interim statement. Our observations and views regarding the electoral process in Zambia are based on the guidelines enshrined in the Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation in the SADC Region (PEMMO). EISA will produce a final, more comprehensive report on the entire election process within 3 months (90 days). This report will provide an in-depth analysis, detailed observations and recommendations. EISA will therefore continue to follow the process to completion, including the announcement of the final results.
On behalf of the EISA Regional Election Observer Mission, we take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the people of Zambia and the various electoral stakeholders for the warm welcome and hospitality given to the Mission. We also congratulate the people of Zambia for their political maturity and the peaceful manner and atmosphere in which the elections were conducted. During our mission, we were allowed unhindered and unrestricted access to all key offices dealing with elections and all polling sites and electoral offices at local, district and national result compilation centres. We acknowledge and appreciate the hospitable, courteous and friendly manner in which the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) personnel received our Mission.
1.1 About EISA
EISA is a non-profit organisation established in June 1996. The vision of the organisation is to promote credible elections and democratic governance in Africa. EISA is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has field offices in Angola, the DRC and Mozambique. Observation of elections is a key component of EISA's work as it allows for the collection of relevant data and information on electoral practices as well as providing an opportunity for mission members to acquire and exchange experiences with respect to the organisation and conduct of democratic elections and the observation of such elections.
1.2 Composition of the Mission
Led by Mr Abel Leshele Thoahlane, Chairperson of the Lesotho Electoral Commission and chairperson of the EISA Board, assisted by Denis Kadima, EISA Executive Director, the EISA Regional Observer Mission to Zambia Tripartite Elections consisted of 14 members, including representatives from electoral commissions and civil society organisations from Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, Portugal, South Africa Swaziland, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe.
The EISA Mission was established and deployed with the chief aim of contributing to the institutionalisation and consolidation of democracy in Zambia.