The Editor Zambia
While some local political players and so-called civic activists continue questioning the credibility of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general elections, the international community has continued to recognise the outcome, congratulating President Hakainde Hichilema and his Government on their electoral victory.
The latest endorsement came from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), whose delegation, led by Chief Observer Michael McNamara, met President Hichilema to present its final report on the elections. 
The delegation congratulated President Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government on their victory, while commending the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for its preparedness and the manner in which it conducted the polls.
This is significant because, even as sections of the local political landscape remain trapped in post-election disputes, international observers have continued engaging Zambia constructively, recognising the outcome and focusing on strengthening democratic institutions.
The EU mission deployed approximately 100 observers from 26 European Union member states, Canada and Norway. Its final report contains 13 recommendations, eight of which are identified as priorities for improving future elections.
Chief Observer McNamara made an important observation that there is no perfect democracy anywhere in the world. His remarks should remind Zambians that democratic systems are constantly evolving and that shortcomings identified during elections should be addressed through reforms rather than endless political confrontation.
Among the EU’s priority recommendations are reviewing the electoral legal framework, improving transparency throughout the electoral process, protecting freedom of assembly, ensuring equal campaign opportunities and transforming the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation into a genuine public service broadcaster.
The mission also called for cyber laws to be aligned with international commitments on freedom of expression, unhindered access for election observers, effective access to electoral justice and transparency during results tabulation.
These are constructive recommendations that deserve serious consideration. Indeed, the willingness of the government to receive the report and engage with the observers demonstrates the importance of dialogue and continuous democratic improvement.
President Hichilema assured the delegation that his administration would carefully study the recommendations and remain committed to reforms that strengthened Zambia’s democracy.
The European Union also reaffirmed its readiness to support Zambia in implementing the recommendations.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the international community’s engagement with Zambia has not been reduced to the allegations and political disagreements being promoted by some domestic actors.
Instead, international partners are continuing to recognise the country’s democratic institutions and engage with the elected government.
Those questioning the elections are entitled to their opinions. However, allegations should be supported by credible evidence and pursued through appropriate constitutional and legal channels. Democracy cannot function effectively if every electoral defeat is automatically presented as proof that the entire process was illegitimate.
The credibility of an election must be assessed through evidence, established procedures, and independent observation rather than political dissatisfaction with the outcome.
Zambia has built a reputation for peaceful political transitions since the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1991. That achievement must be protected by both the governing party and the opposition.
The EU report should, therefore, be viewed as an opportunity to improve, not an invitation to reopen political wounds indefinitely.
Ultimately, the greatest test of democracy is whether political players can accept the people’s decisions while continuing to demand stronger institutions.
President Hichilema has been given another mandate, and the responsibility now is to deliver on national development while ensuring that Zambia’s democratic institutions become even stronger.
