AU describes Zambia’s electoral environment as calm and peaceful

African Union Election Observation Mission has described as calm and peaceful Zambia’s electoral environment.

The African Union Election Observation Mission is being headed by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan

And Mr. Jonathan has stressed the need political parties to refrain from violence and provocative actions in the last few days remaining before the elections.

Mr. Jonathan has also urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to continue to strengthen the security around the distribution of electoral materials to enhance the integrity of the election results.

He says ECZ should continue to manage the electoral process in an open and transparent manner and take urgent steps by ensuring that all the stakeholders have confidence in the results management process.

And Mr. Jonathan has further noted the need for all security officials to guarantee a conducive environment in which citizens can freely exercise their freedom of association and their right to vote.

And Mr. Jonathan has advised has urged political parties that will lose in next month’s general elections to concede.

Mr. Jonathan says acceptance of defeat would promote peace and understanding among the people of the state and avoid creating mayhem in the country.