Ahead of the tightly contested Zambian 12th August multi-tier elections, the head of the African Union (AU) Elections Observation Mission, former President Ernest Bai Koroma, along with the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, has today hosted a debriefing session with the heads and core staff of other elections observation missions including the European Union (EU), the Commonwealth, the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and COMESA.
All the Missions confirmed the deployment of their observers to all of Zambia’s ten provinces. The leadership of the various Missions further exchanged views on the prevailing issues, especially the ‘flash points’ and the interventions being taken in response to those concerning situations. They then shared information about the individual Mission’s deployment plans. They agreed to coordinate their activities given the common objective of a peaceful, credible and acceptable outcome of the polls.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma, along with the AU Commissioner Adeoye, also had an interaction today with the Attorney and Minister of Justice, Mr. Likando Kalaluka. They discussed the legal frameworks on the conduct of elections, dispute resolution and the role of the justice ministry in the event that the outcome of the election becomes a matter for the courts to arbitrate. In particular, the interpretation/ enforcement of the Public Order Act, the 14 days timeframe for arbitration of petitions of the elections results stood out.
During a meeting with the Charge d’ Affaires of the United States Embassy, David Young, and the British High Commission in Zambia, the AU Head of Mission reiterated AU’s commitment to supporting Zambia throughout this process.
“We will stay engaged with all sides and urge, especially political leaders, to maintain the peace and when the need arises, to utilise the official/ legal channels of dispute resolutions”.
President Koroma further intimated that, in fact, “owing to the importance the AU attaches to Zambia, I have been asked, and I’ve agreed, to stay on for a few more days after the polls so that the Mission could continue to provide the support it has been providing to the Zambia people”.
US embassy Charg’e d’ Affaires, David Young, expressed relief at the news of President Koroma’s extended assignment.
“I’m very pleased to have you here at this critical moment, and I’m even more excited to hear that you will be staying a few more days after the polls. I regard you as a Special ally in supporting Zambia through this moment”, said David Young. President Koroma and his AU team concluded today’s activities with a frank and refreshing interaction with the leader of the main opposition United Party for National Development Party (UPND), Mr. Hakainda Hichilema. Details later.
