Zambians went to the polls on Sept. 20 to vote in presidential, parliamentary and local elections. The Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC), made up of eight civil society groups, fielded election monitors across the country to observe the electoral process before, during and after the vote. The group issued a preliminary statement on the voting process, finding the election process, while not perfect, was generally smooth and peaceful.

Following the Electoral Commission of Zambia's release of the final vote count, the CSEC stated "with great confidence" that the official election results accurately reflect the ballots cast.

Here is its press release:

Based on official results as recorded by polling officials at these polling stations, the CSEC can state with great confidence that the results for the presidential election as announced by ECZ Chairperson Justice Irene Mambilima accurately reflect the ballots cast on Sept. 20.

The Rapid Response Project (RRP) deployed 985 highly-trained, accredited monitors to a representative, random sample of 710 polling stations in all 150 constituencies of the nine provinces of Zambia.

The RRP used a technique that has been developed and applied in more than 30 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The findings of the RRP are consistent with the official results as announced by the ECZ, meaning that the official results reflect the votes cast by Zambians. The RRP estimates for the presidential election have a margin of error of +/- 1.4% at a 95% confidence interval. It is important to note, the RRP estimates are based on information from all 150 constituencies while the official results from the ECZ reflect the 143 constituencies announced as of 12:30 a.m. Sept. 23.

In the CSEC’s view, the elections generally met international and regional standards for democratic elections. The CSEC Steering Committee appeals to Zambians, especially all political parties and their supporters, to act responsibly and in the interests of the nation. Zambians have been able to exercise their democratic rights and therefore we are all winners regardless of how we voted. Once again, Zambia has been able to demonstrate a good example for Africa for democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power.

Read more:

• Read the statement on election results»
• Read the preliminary statement on the voting process»
• Concerted efforts needed in Zambia for credible, peaceful elections, NDI delegation finds»
• Developing a data center: Zambia edition»

Published Sept. 21, 2011. Updated Sept. 23.