NDI Deploys Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia - The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is deploying a pre-election assessment mission to Zambia from April 25-30 in the lead-up to the August 2026 general elections.

The delegation will assess the political environment and administrative preparations for the elections and offer practical recommendations to stakeholders on measures to be taken ahead of the polls to enhance the credibility, transparency, and participation in the process.

The mission will meet with a wide array of stakeholders from across the political spectrum, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), civil society actors, and citizen observers.

The delegation is led by His Excellency Mohamed Ibn Chambas, African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns and Chairman of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan. The delegation also includes regional and election experts, namely, Commissioner Lilian B. Mahiri-Zaja, Former Vice Chairperson, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Kenya; Professor Christina Murray, Professor Emeritus, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs, Yiaga Africa, Nigeria; Gemima Barlow, NDI Director for Southern and East Africa; and Richard Klein, NDI Director of Elections.

“Zambians have consistently seized elections as an opportunity to express their democratic will,” said H.E. Mohamed Ibn Chambas. “The delegation looks forward to engaging with all stakeholders on the concrete steps that should be taken to meet Zambians’ expectations for inclusive, peaceful, and credible polls.”

“Our mission highlights the importance of these elections for Zambians and the continent, while also demonstrating international support for credible and peaceful polls that reflect the will of the people,” said Gemima Barlow, NDI’s Regional Director for Southern and East Africa. “NDI is proud to stand with the people of Zambia in their efforts to safeguard credible elections and ensure that every voice is heard and respected.”

Over the past 40 years, NDI has conducted more than 250 international election observation missions in 70 countries worldwide. The NDI mission to Zambia will conduct its activities in accordance with the laws of Zambia and the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation adopted at the United Nations in 2005 and endorsed by 65 organizations, including the African Union (AU).

For press inquiries, please contact:

• In Zambia, Comfort Pingilani, [email protected]
• In Washington, DC, Paulina Chavez Alonzo, [email protected]