Zambia ready to hold elections alongside referendum – SADC Election observers

Oldemiro Baloi

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) says it has concluded that Zambia is prepared and ready to hold elections on 11^th August concurrently with the referendum.

Speaking during the launch of the SEOM to the 2016 general elections, Oldemiro Baloi head of mission has encouraged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to conduct its work professionally citing that the political leadership should also lead by example in terms of electoral behavior.

Mr. Baloi who is also Mozambique minister of foreign affairs and cooperation says it is also important for the electorate to act responsibly.

He says they are confident that the deployment of their observers will contribute to enhance the credibility of the overall electoral process.

Mr. Baloi has appealed to Zambians to follow the laid down procedures should there be any areas of disagreement during the process.

He has further urged political parties to adhere and accept the results of the elections and lodge their complaints and grievances through the relevant institutions such as the constitutional court.

SADC Electoral Observation Mission has deployed 49 observers across the country to observe the august 11^th general elections.