UN To Visit Zambia To Maintain A Peaceful Environment Prior To Election Day

The Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General to the African Union, Hanna Tetteh, is due to visit Zambia as part of the UN’s continued engagement and support to the country ahead of the August general elections.

The press release from the UN states that Ms Tetteh will be in the country from 30 May to 4 June.

“The purpose of Madame Tetteh’s visit is to consult with the Government and other stakeholders on the United Nations’ continuing assistance to Zambia in addressing all national priorities and maintaining a peaceful national environment during this period and beyond”, the UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia said.

During her visit, Ms Tetteh will meet with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), key national institutions, government officials as well as United Nations agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and the media.

The visit will occur only days after President Edgar Lungu announced that election campaigns were to be banned. His reasoning was to supposedly prevent the spread of COVID-19, yet the announcement was made during a mass gathering at his own campaign launch. Questions around how fair this decision is for other political parties have subsequently arisen.

Photo: The Business Year