Southern Africa observer teams hail Zambia's preparations for polls

Southern Africa observer teams on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over Zambia's preparations for the general elections and expressed optimism that the country was ready to hold the elections.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Observation Mission, the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries and the SADC Parliamentary Forum said meetings held with various stakeholders and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) have showed that the country was prepared and ready to hold elections on August 11.

"Similarly, we also take note of the security measures taken by the Zambia Police Service in their efforts to help with the delivery of peaceful polls," the organizations said in a joint statement.

The organizations have however appealed to all stakeholders to maintain the country's spirit of holding peaceful, non-violent and inclusive elections and urged leaders to continue promoting a climate of tolerance and national unity throughout the electoral process and encourage their supporters to refrain from violence.

The organizations have also called on Zambians to be calm and observe the rule of law in the post-election phase.

"We further urge political actors and other stakeholders to embrace the Zambian democratic values and practices of accepting the election results in line with the constitution and election rules and taking note the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections," the statement added.

Zambia holds presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on August 11 alongside a referendum to amend part three of the constitution which deals with people's rights.

But opposition political parties have complained of lack of a level playing field.

Main presidential opposition challenger Hakainde Hichilema said the elections will not be free and fair because his campaigns have been hindered while his supporters have suffered violence at the hands of ruling party supporters. Endit