Zambia’s Acting Foreign Minister, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, received the final report from the European Union (EU) Election Follow-up Mission 2024 today. The presentation ceremony, held at Lusaka’s Charter House, saw Haimbe express appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support of Zambia’s electoral processes.
Haimbe highlighted the timeliness of the report, emphasizing its value in guiding future actions. He stressed the government’s commitment, alongside stakeholders, to address highlighted areas like increased participation of women and vulnerable groups, and ensuring a fair electoral playing field for all. Haimbe pointed to the recently passed Access to Information Law as evidence of progress on reforms. He pledged continued collaboration with the EU and other stakeholders to ensure successful electoral reform and achieve stated objectives.
EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Ms. Karolina Stasiak, presented the report. She commended Zambia as a regional example of how democracy can empower citizens and promote sustainable development. Ambassador Stasiak noted the report stemmed from the January 2024 EU election follow-up mission. She highlighted the EU’s long history of observing Zambian elections, dating back to 2006, at the government’s invitation.
Stasiak acknowledged Zambia’s progress, including the enactment of the Access to Information Law and the removal of the Defamation of the President law. She expressed the EU’s appreciation for the Zambian government’s commitment, under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, to enacting long-term strategic electoral reforms.