Jakaya Kikwete to lead the Commonwealth observers for Zambia poll

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Jakaya Kikwete to lead the Commonwealth observers for Zambia poll

10:38 CAT | 29 Jul 2016

Lusaka Times (File photo) / Former president of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has appointed former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to lead the Commonwealth observer in the forthcoming general elections and national referendum in Zambia scheduled for 11 August 2016.

According to a media release, the decision to send observers follows an invitation from the Government of Zambia.

Ms Scotland says conducting the electoral processes in an inclusive, peaceful and credible manner is a demonstration of Zambia’s enduring commitment as a Commonwealth member to the culture of democracy and to nation-building.

“In solidarity with the people of Zambia, the Commonwealth will be present to observe these polls and will continue to work with relevant Zambian institutions towards further strengthening the country’s democracy,” she says.

Ms Scotland says holding peaceful and successful elections is a high responsibility for the people and institutions of all Commonwealth member states.

She says all Zambians including the election management body, political parties and their leaders, the citizenry, civil society, security agencies, the media and voters have a duty and responsibility to ensure a peaceful process and a credible outcome.

The Commonwealth Observer Group will consider the pre-election environment and election preparations.

On election day, the team will observe the voting, vote-counting and results procedures with reference to national legislation and to the international democratic standards to which Zambia has committed itself.

As with all Commonwealth Observer Groups, the mission will function impartially and independently and will conduct itself according to the standards expressed in the International Declaration of Principles for Election Observation.

An advance group of observers was deployed to Zambia on 22 July while the rest of the team is expected to arrive in Lusaka on 4 August.

The Commonwealth Observer Group will consist of 17 eminent persons led by former President Jakaya Kikwete, is supported by a staff team from the Commonwealth Secretariat headed by Mrs Yvonne Apea Mensah.

Source: Lusaka Times