By OLIVER SAMBOKO
The African Union has deployed a short-term election observer mission to Zambia and appointed former Sierra Leon President, Ernest Bai Koroma as delegation leader.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the AU, Emmanuel Mwamba has confirmed the development.
Mr Mwamba said according to AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the observer mission that would be led by Mri Koroma would be in Zambia from August 4 to 19.
He said the AU observe mission would interact with various stakeholders including government officials, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, political parties, civil society, media organisations and the diplomatic community.
“The engagement with various stakeholders will enable the delegation to understand and appreciate the preparations made so far towards the holding of the election,” Mr Mwamba said.
The AU election observer mission to Zambia draws its mandate from the 2007 African Charter for democracy that Zambia is signatory to.
Zambia will be going to the polls on August 12 to elect the Republican President, Members of Parliament, Council Chairpersons, city Mayors and councillors for a five-year mandate.
