We Support Transparent, Peaceful And Credible Elections – International Embassies

Several Embassies and High Commissions within Zambia have outlined their hope for a transparent, peaceful and credible election on Thursday.

The Embassies and High Commissions of Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States released a statement on Wednesday to encourage a democratic election process.

“As longtime friends of Zambia and fellow democracies, we support transparent, peaceful, and credible general elections in Zambia, in accordance with global standards. Free participation in democratic elections is a civic duty we value, and we support the right of all Zambians to shape their own future,” the statement opened.

The statement also commented on the recent violence which has been seen in the lead-up to Thursday’s elections, referencing the importance of the constitution in upholding values which stand against violence.

“We mourn all lives that have been lost and look to all Zambians to remain committed to the principles of rule of law and respect for human rights, as enshrined in the Zambian constitution.”

To discourage violence after polls close on Thursday, the statement finished by saying “Whatever the outcome of the poll, we request all parties and their supporters to respect the will of the Zambian people and follow established constitutional procedures, in the spirit of peace and unity and the longstanding ethos of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’”.

Polling stations are open from 6:00 to 18:00 Thursday 12th August.