As Zambia navigates the post-election period, safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms remains essential.
On Monday 24th August 2026, the Human Rights Commission – Zambia (HRC-Z) hosted the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for high-level discussions on Zambia’s 2026 General Elections and the post-election human rights situation.

Speaking during the engagement, HRC-Z Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo said elections should be viewed beyond polling day and as a process closely linked to the protection of human rights.
“The Commission approaches elections not merely as a political event or a single day of voting, but as a human rights process. Credible elections depend upon respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and access to effective remedies,” Dr. Sambo said.
Deputy Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission in Zambia, Dr. Beata Martin-Rozumilowicz, said the Mission had been examining various aspects of Zambia’s electoral process, including the legal framework, the new electoral system, and how these relate to fundamental freedoms and human rights.
She said the Mission was also interested in hearing the Commission’s perspective on its role and the final stage of the electoral process.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the HRC-Z and the EU EOM to share perspectives and strengthen their understanding of human rights concerns arising from the electoral process and the post-election period.
The engagement was also attended by HRC-Z Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, Commissioner Mrs. Panic Chilufya, Director General Ms. Mbololwa Wamunyima and Director – Complaints and Investigations Mr Shakespeare Siatakwi, as well as members of the EU EOM core team, including Legal Analyst Colm Vincent Fahy, Political Analyst Kadi Viik and Deputy Legal Analyst Anica Kuzmanovska.