LUSAKA - The Head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observation Mission (SEOM) has arrived in Lusaka to begin election observation activities ahead of Zambia's August 13, 2026 General Elections.
The Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi, appointed Hon. Samuel B. Tembenu, SC, former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Malawi, to lead the mission.
Hon. Tembenu arrived in Zambia today to commence his responsibilities as Head of the SADC Election Observation Mission.
On August 5, he is expected to officiate at the certificate award ceremony for short-term election observers following the completion of their pre-deployment training.
The observers, drawn from various SADC Member States, will then be deployed across Zambia to observe the electoral process in accordance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
The mission will be officially launched on August 6, marking the formal commencement of SEOM's election observation activities.
Following the general election on August 13, Hon. Tembenu is scheduled to present the mission's preliminary statement on August 15, outlining its initial assessment of the electoral process.
Source: SADC Election Observation Mission