NDI - Zambia

NDI E-news: Women's Leadership, Zambia, Focus Group Research | October 2011

ntekeei — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:54:53 +0000

October 2011

Women Seeking Leadership Roles to Make Change

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Women running for office in the Democratic Republic of Congo learn to use iKNOW Politics. Photo courtesy of NDI_DRC.

"Success without democracy is improbable. Democracy without women is impossible."
— NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright

Around the world, women in ever-increasing numbers are taking steps to join in the political process at all levels of government. Partnering with men and supporting each other, women are running for office, rising in the ranks of political parties and advocating for issues that matter in their lives.

In Egypt, where the first post-uprising election will begin Nov. 28, women are working to overcome obstacles presented by both law and custom to win election to the parliament that will draft the country's new constitution. NDI campaign schools are helping them learn about campaign strategies, message development, voter contact, public speaking and the country's complex electoral code as they prepare their candidacies.

In the Balkans, women from political parties are working together across ethnic lines and national boundaries to inject new life into stalled politics. They are championing new education policies that will help women become more entrepreneurial and establishing networks that will help them exchange best practices and overcome barriers to women's participation in politics.

At the campaign school in Cairo.

In Kazakhstan, women make up 58 percent of the civil service but hold less than 9 percent of high-level positions. Women and men from across the country came together last month to draft an action plan to boost opportunities for women to reach decision-making positions in government. The plan calls for a cabinet-level Ministry of Gender Development, creating training schools for women, encouraging women in rural areas to participate in politics and other measures.

During the Democratic Republic of Congo's last legislative elections, fewer than 1,100 of 9,000 candidates were women. To encourage more women to run in November elections, NDI held a campaign school where women interested in parliament learned what it takes to win. Hundreds of women turned out to learn about iKNOW Politics, an online network dedicated to the advancement of women in politics.

In Zambia, Observers Cite Accurate Results, Peaceful Process

Zambia’s Civil Society Election Coalition deployed more than 9,000 highly-trained monitors around the country to observe the voting and counting in last month’s elections. About 1,000 of those were assigned to a nationally representative sample of polling stations. Their conclusion, stated "with great confidence," was that the results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia accurately reflected the votes cast and that the process was generally smooth and peaceful. An NDI pre-election observation mission in August, led by Quett Ketumile Masire, former president of Botswana, and NDI Vice Chair Thomas Daschle, pointed out “noteworthy challenges” in the electoral environment and said the country could move forward significantly if its elections were credible and peaceful. Read more»

Liberian Elections Generally Peaceful, Orderly

The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC), a coalition of seven civil society organizations and a partner of NDI's, fielded 2,000 election monitors to polling locations across the country to observe Liberia's presidential and legislative polls. Based on preliminary reports, the ECC called the elections "generally peaceful and orderly," and urged political parties to respect the official vote totals, expected later this month. Read more»

Key Reforms Needed to Clean Up Afghan Elections

Political and civil society representatives are calling on the Afghan government to carry out critical reforms to clean up the country's fraud-plagued election system. These include increased transparency in election management bodies, improvements to political parties and a better election law. Representatives of civil society, election agencies, parliament, local government, political parties, academia and the media all worked together to come up with an action plan to advance future reforms. Read more»

Citizen Organizations Work to Bolster Parliaments and Public Engagement, Survey Finds

A new report by NDI and the World Bank Institute examines the efforts of some 190 parliamentary monitoring organizations that are monitoring 82 parliaments around the world. These groups are helping citizens sift through and make sense of vast amounts of parliamentary information on such topics as voting records, the content of floor debates and committee deliberations to ensure that citizen interests are represented and legislators are held accountable. Read more»

New Focus Group Research Released in Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Somalia

Public opinion research can help governments, political parties and civil society better respond to the issues citizens care about most.

In Tunisia, where this month's constituent assembly elections will be the first competitive poll in the country's history, focus group research shows a widening divide between citizens and decision-makers. Citizens are frustrated by a lack of economic opportunities and perceive political parties as debating issues unrelated to their daily lives. Read more»

In Kyrgyzstan, where voters will choose a president Oct. 30, unemployment and corruption are top issues for voters. Focus group research found that ethnic tensions were still strong, but had been supplanted by unemployment and corruption as issues of top concern. Read more»

In Somalia, new research shows rising popular support for writing a new constitution. Somalis are eager to contribute to their country's future, and want a Somali-led response to conflict and greater inclusion in the transition to a permanent government. Read more»

Importance of Authentic Elections and Unhindered Election Observation Stressed at OSCE Warsaw Meeting

Speaking for the United States at the annual human rights meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Patrick Merloe, NDI's director of electoral programs, emphasized the importance of a genuinely competitive electoral process — before, during and after election day. Citing Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Macedonia as examples of recent, well-run elections in the OSCE region, Merloe stressed the crucial role that citizen and international monitors have in assessing the validity of an election. Read more»

President Ouattara: Reconciliation and Security Reform Key to Recovery in Côte d'Ivoire

The president of Côte d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, stressed the importance of reconciliation following months of violence and displacement in his country during a Washington, D.C., appearance. "The process will be long, but we are determined and I believe we will get there," he said Sept. 23 at an event cosponsored by NDI. Read more or watch the speech»

Don't Miss NDI's 2011 Democracy Award Dinner

Join NDI Nov. 7 as we celebrate the Arab Spring and honor three supporters of democracy at our annual Democracy Award Dinner. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will give the keynote address. The W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award will posthumously honor Geraldine Ferraro, Richard Holbrooke and Charles Manatt for their lifelong commitment to democracy. Appropriate Communication Techniques for Development (ACT), an Egyptian women's group advocating full inclusion of women in the new Egyptian political order, will receive this year's Madeleine K. Albright grant. Buy your ticket»


The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

CSEC Statement: Verification of Official Election Results

fgalleto — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:57:19 +0000

Author:

Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC)

Publisher:

Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC)

Published Date:

09/23/2011

Resource Type:

Statement

Language:

English

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Official ECZ Results for Presidential Election Accurately Reflect Votes Cast

fgalleto — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:54:18 +0000

Author:

Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC)

Publisher:

Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC)

Published Date:

09/23/2011

Resource Type:

Press Release

Language:

English

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In Zambia, Official Results for Presidential Election Accurately Reflect Votes Cast

fgalleto — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:10:36 +0000

Zambians went to the polls on Sept. 20 to vote in presidential, parliamentary and local elections. The Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC), made up of eight civil society groups, fielded election monitors across the country to observe the electoral process before, during and after the vote. The group issued a preliminary statement on the voting process, finding the election process, while not perfect, was generally smooth and peaceful.

Following the Electoral Commission of Zambia's release of the final vote count, the CSEC stated "with great confidence" that the official election results accurately reflect the ballots cast.

The CSEC collects election monitors' reports at the data center in Lusaka. Photo by Chris Doten, NDI senior program officer.

Following the Electoral Commission of Zambia's release of the final vote count, the CSEC stated "with great confidence" that the official election results accurately reflect the ballots cast.

Here is its press release:

Based on official results as recorded by polling officials at these polling stations, the CSEC can state with great confidence that the results for the presidential election as announced by ECZ Chairperson Justice Irene Mambilima accurately reflect the ballots cast on Sept. 20.

The Rapid Response Project (RRP) deployed 985 highly-trained, accredited monitors to a representative, random sample of 710 polling stations in all 150 constituencies of the nine provinces of Zambia.

The RRP used a technique that has been developed and applied in more than 30 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The findings of the RRP are consistent with the official results as announced by the ECZ, meaning that the official results reflect the votes cast by Zambians. The RRP estimates for the presidential election have a margin of error of +/- 1.4% at a 95% confidence interval. It is important to note, the RRP estimates are based on information from all 150 constituencies while the official results from the ECZ reflect the 143 constituencies announced as of 12:30 a.m. Sept. 23.

In the CSEC’s view, the elections generally met international and regional standards for democratic elections. The CSEC Steering Committee appeals to Zambians, especially all political parties and their supporters, to act responsibly and in the interests of the nation. Zambians have been able to exercise their democratic rights and therefore we are all winners regardless of how we voted. Once again, Zambia has been able to demonstrate a good example for Africa for democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power.

Read more:

Published Sept. 21, 2011. Updated Sept. 23.

Preliminary Statement on the 2011 Zambian Tripartate Elections

fgalleto — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:07:55 +0000

Author:

Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC)

Publisher:

Civil Society Election Coalition (CSEC)

Published Date:

09/21/2011

Resource Type:

Statement

Language:

English

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In Letter to Party Leaders, NDI Delegation Members Urge Credible and Peaceful Elections for Zambia

fgalleto — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:01:32 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

09/18/2011

Resource Type:

Press Release

Language:

English

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NDI E-news: Democracy Day, Libya, Pakistan, African Elections | Sept. 2011

fgalleto — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:15:40 +0000

Sept. 15, 2011

Happy Democracy Day!

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"Independence!" A woman casts her ballot in the January referendum creating the new country of South Sudan. Photo by Susan Stigant, senior program manager.

Sept. 15 is International Day of Democracy, an annual global celebration of human rights, the rule of law and other principles that unite democracies around the world. The day was designated by the United Nations to reaffirm the universality of democratic values and recognize the aspirations of people around the world to have a say in how they are governed and make free choices about how they live their lives.

Nowhere have those aspirations been more prominent this year than in North Africa, where popular uprisings have ousted dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. In Libya, the Institute has been working closely since April with the National Transitional Council (NTC) as it creates a plan for a constitution, elections, national security and the protection of civil liberties. In a country where political parties have been outlawed and maligned for 40 years, NDI is helping fledgling parties create platforms and attract supporters. Writing in the Washington Post, Les Campbell, NDI regional director for Middle East and North Africa programs, expressed optimism about the prospects of a successful transition and outlined the positive steps the council has taken already. Matyas Eörsi, resident country director in Benghazi, spoke to NPR about the high expectations — globally and in Libya — facing the country's new government.

For more than 25 years, in more than 70 countries, NDI has worked to strengthen new and emerging democracies. This Democracy Day, consider contributing to our work and support people in North Africa and around the world who want a voice in how their countries are governed.

Pakistan to Extend Political Reforms to FATA

President Asif Ali Zardari's recent decision to extend political and legal reforms to Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is the result of a lengthy effort by political parties and other organizations to bring more democratic systems of governance to a region considered a haven for militants and religious extremists. The reforms, supported by NDI, will allow political parties to form and operate in FATA for the first time, and will amend a draconian criminal code first enacted by the British in 1848.

Ensuring Women and Young People Take Part in the Political Process

Women and youth have a significant role to play in new and emerging democracies. In Sudan, caricature art helps engage young people who feel excluded from the political process. In Burkina Faso and Iraq, women are learning the skills they need to run for office and build successful political careers. In Nicaragua, the first class of graduates to earn a certificate in leadership and political management are ready to start their political careers. And in Afghanistan, one young woman is helping others prepare for careers in government by starting an internship program that places students in provincial council offices.

Celebrate Democracy with these Upcoming Events

Save the date! NDI will hold its annual democracy dinner on Nov. 7. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will headline the event, which also includes a panel discussion on the Arab Spring. The dinner and an awards ceremony will recognize those who have spent a lifetime supporting democracy.

On Sept. 23, Alassane Ouattara, president of Côte d'Ivoire, will speak at NDI, where he will discuss his government's efforts to rebuild the country's economy and foster national reconciliation in the wake of violence following last November's election. This event is full, but will be streamed live.

Toward Better Elections in Africa

Across Africa, countries are taking steps to ensure more transparent and accountable elections. A recent referendum in Liberia was monitored by the Elections Coordinating Committee, a civil society coalition that provided a nonpartisan assessment of the process and will monitor upcoming presidential and legislative elections. In Côte d'Ivoire, which recently experienced a violent crisis in the aftermath of its November presidential election, citizen election monitors gathered to discuss their role in mitigating violence in legislative polls scheduled for later this year. And in Zambia and Mauritania, NDI fielded delegations that assessed both countries' preparedness for upcoming elections and suggested improvements.

Coming Together for Common Goals

Democracy can't solve longstanding political or cultural divisions overnight, but it can bring different groups together to discuss issues and arrive at common goals. In Bosnia, eight politicians are reaching across party and ethnic lines to tackle the country's biggest challenges together. And in Honduras, where the effects of a 2009 coup and constitutional crisis are still reverberating, a series of "democracy dialogues" is bringing people together to find common ground.

Public Opinion Research for Better Policy Platforms

Public opinion research helps political parties and governments address the issues their constituents care about most. In Iraq, people want politicians to focus on jobs, the economy, and water and power delivery. In Somalia, focus group research shows that citizens are losing faith in their transitional institutions and are looking for ways to provide ideas to move their country forward. In Belarus, citizens distrust the Lukashenko regime and blame it for current economic problems. But they remain pessimistic about the prospects for opposition parties. And in South Sudan, citizens want to end tribalism above all else, seeing themselves primarily as Southern Sudanese.

NDI's Washington Office is Moving

NDI's new office

Update your address book! As of Sept. 19, NDI's Washington, D.C., headquarters will be located at 455 Massachusetts Ave., NW, on the eighth floor. All telephone numbers will remain the same.

Youths Agree to Renounce Violence | Sept. 1, 2011

fgalleto — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:07:05 +0000

Times of Zambia | Link to story »

"Youths from different political parties have resolved to renounce the use of violence against their political opponents and have resolved to condemn all those who abuse youths as tools of violence.

"According to resolutions of the non-violence youth workshop held in Lusaka on Tuesday organized by the Young African Leaders initiative and supported by the National Democratic Institute, the youths also resolved that they would at all times condemn all those who abuse youths to perpetrate violence."

Link to story »

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Zambia: Youths Agree to Renounce Violence»

Kelley J. Jones

fgalleto — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:26:18 +0000

Kelley Jones is the senior resident director for NDI’s Zambia election support program. Previously, Ms. Jones served as the director of NDI's Sudan programs based in Washington, D.C. She has also worked as resident director in Kuwait, Madagascar, Nepal and Nigeria and served as interim director in Kenya, Namibia and Yemen. In these roles, Ms. Jones worked on political party strengthening, legislative strengthening, women’s political participation, civil society strengthening and election related activities. She has also worked in short term assignments and training activities in Afghanistan, Benin, Cambodia, Guinea, Lebanon, Morocco and Pakistan.

Prior to joining NDI, Ms. Jones held several prominent positions with elected officials in the Texas Legislature, including senior advisor for health and human services policy to the Senate president and health and human services budget advisor to the chair of House appropriations. Ms. Jones holds a B.A. and an MSSW from the University of Texas at Austin.

NDI Tips Zambia on Credible Polls | Aug. 18, 2011

fgalleto — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:21:38 +0000

Zambia24 | Link to story »

"The National Democratic Institute has concluded its pre-election assessment with a call for improved transparency if Zambia is to have credible elections on 20th of September, 2011.

"Delegation co-leader Ketumile Masire, who is the former president of Botswana, says there is need for concerted efforts if Zambia is to hold credible and peaceful elections. Mr. Masire says broad citizen participation combined with responsible actions by all stakeholders will contribute to electoral integrity and build public confidence."

Link to story »

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Concerted Efforts Needed in Zambia for Credible, Peaceful Elections, NDI Delegation Finds

fgalleto — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:57:03 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

08/18/2011

Resource Type:

Press Release

Language:

English

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Concerted Efforts Needed in Zambia for Credible, Peaceful Elections, NDI Delegation Finds

fgalleto — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:21:57 +0000

Zambia is in a position to move forward significantly if its elections next month are credible and peaceful. But the electoral environment presents noteworthy challenges that require tolerance, the rule of law, leadership and participation, a pre-election assessment mission from NDI said in a report released in Lusaka Aug. 18.

The delegation was observing preparations for Zambia’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections to be held on Sept. 20.

From left: Masire, Daschle, Sibeko and Obe

The delegation was observing preparations for Zambia’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections to be held on Sept. 20.

“Concerted efforts are needed for credible, peaceful elections in Zambia” His Excellency Quett Ketumile Masire, former president of Botswana and delegation co-leader, said at a news conference. “Broad citizen participation, combined with responsible actions by all stakeholders will contribute to electoral integrity and build public confidence.”

Delegation co-leader Thomas Daschle, former U.S. Senate majority leader and vice chair of NDI’s board of directors, noted that “Zambia’s history of relatively peaceful elections provides a valuable foundation for the 2011 elections. Improving transparency, enhancing inclusiveness and expanding accountability surrounding the elections will buttress that foundation and better ensure that the will of the voters is accurately recorded and honored.”

The delegation was impressed by numerous positive factors in the electoral environment, and, at the same time, noted several important shortcomings that cause serious concern. Among the positive features were:

The Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ’s) efforts to open the electoral process and encourage participation;
A significant degree of confidence in the integrity of the ECZ’s chairperson;
Political parties and their candidates vigorously contesting the elections;
Significant interest in voting among young people;
Civil society and religious leaders calling for peaceful elections;
Civil society’s mobilization of nonpartisan election monitors and voter education efforts; and
Significant measures by the Zambian police to ensure political impartiality of officers and improve professional conduct relating to elections.

Among the important shortcomings in the electoral environment that cause serious concern were:

Irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric by political parties and candidates;
Instances of political intimidation and potential for electoral related violence;
Blatant pro-government bias in the public media, as well as bias and inaccurate reporting in all major media;
Inadequacy of avenues for legal redress when challenging results of the presidential election and the lack of expedited processes for challenging election results;
Efforts to discredit some nonpartisan civil society organizations and impede the right to full participation;
Decrease in the number of women candidates for seats in the National Assembly and apparent barriers to women pursuing candidatures; and
Lack of transparency in campaign financing and the absence of restrictions on donations, as well as the unequal access to resources.

The delegation offered 10 recommendations:

The presidential candidates and the leaders of their respective political parties should issue explicit, forceful and repeated calls for peaceful elections and mobilize party resources to sanction any of their party members who engage in electoral violence or political intimidation.
Candidates and the leaders of their respective political parties should pledge publicly to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct and refute the use of inflammatory rhetoric for the entire campaign period.
Candidates and leaders of their respective political parties should ensure that copies of the Electoral Code of Conduct are provided to all of their party activists and organize discussions of it, including how to seek redress through lodging complaints with the ECZ and invoking mediation efforts through the Conflict Mitigation Committees and other liaison efforts of the ECZ and civil society.
Media, both public and private, should adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct, laws and professional ethics concerning the accuracy, balance and access regarding candidates and broader electoral related coverage.
The ECZ should use every effort possible to implement its enhanced results tabulation process and ensure that political party polling agents, citizen election monitors and the media are provided full access to each stage of the process, including providing them copies of the signed results sheets at each level.
The ECZ and all relevant government agencies should vigorously promote the full participation of citizens in the electoral process, as voters and as candidates, including identifying and removing barriers to participation of women, youth, people with disabilities and other traditionally marginalized groups.
Civil society, including faith-based organizations, should mobilize to promote electoral participation, peaceful elections and accountability through election monitoring activities and report accurately and in a timely fashion on their efforts and findings.
The ECZ should guarantee access of political party agents, nonpartisan election monitors, observers and media to all aspects of the election process, including vote tabulations, and should provide them timely accreditation, without undue restrictions.
The ECZ should consider implementing enhanced transparency measures concerning procurement actions of all sensitive electoral items (e.g., electronic voter registration, ballots and electronic results tabulation) and for all contracts over a specified significant amount of funds (such measures could include, e.g., advance announcement of procurement actions, including experts from political parties and civil society in the design of requirements).
The ECZ and the courts should ensure that expedited procedures are in place to process all electoral related complaints and challenges, should inform the public and the electoral contestants about such procedures and report publicly and in a timely fashion about how many such matters are lodged, the actions taken, and the nature and incidence of sanctions or remedies provided.

The delegation comprised His Excellency Quett Ketumile Masire, former president of Botswana; Thomas Daschle, former U.S. Senate majority leader and vice chair of NDI’s board of directors; Ayo Obe, former chair of the Steering Committee of the World Movement for Democracy and former president of the Civil Liberties Organization in Nigeria; Pat Merloe, NDI’s director of electoral programs; Keith Jennings, NDI’s senior associate and regional director for Southern and East Africa; and Xoliswa Sibeko, NDI’s resident director in South Africa.

While in Lusaka, the group met with senior government officials, including President Rupiah Banda; election administrators; political party candidates and representatives; civil society, business and women leaders; media representatives; citizen monitors; security forces; religious leaders; and representatives of the international community who are supporting the electoral process and political development.

The delegation assessed the prevailing political environment in Zambia and preparations for the elections, and identified areas where improvements may be needed to guarantee the integrity and transparency of the polls and increase public confidence in the electoral process. The Institute will continue to monitor the electoral process and, as appropriate, share its findings and recommendations with electoral authorities, political contestants and the public.

On Aug. 8, NDI deployed 10 long-term international observers, including members of the Southern African Development Community’s Election Support Network, throughout Zambia’s nine provinces. The international observers are conducting their activities in a nonpartisan manner in accordance with applicable law and international standards for election monitoring set forth in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. Over the last 25 years, the Institute has conducted more than 200 election observation missions worldwide.

NDI’s Zambia election program is supported by the British Department for International Development (DFID) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In addition to the international observation, the Institute is assisting a nationwide domestic election observation coalition; working with political party trainers from across the political spectrum to strengthen their poll watcher training; and supporting women’s political participation through campaign training. NDI provided technical assistance to Zambian civic organizations doing election monitoring in 2008 and 1991.

Related:

Published Aug. 18, 2011

Statement from NDI Pre-Election Delegation to Zambia's September 2011 Elections

rrunyan — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:26:59 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

08/18/2011

Resource Type:

Statement

Language:

English

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NDI Delegation to Assess Pre-Election Environment in Zambia

fgalleto — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:46:50 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

08/14/2011

Resource Type:

Press Release

Language:

English

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NDI Delegation to Assess Pre-Election Environment in Zambia

fgalleto — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:13:57 +0000

NDI is conducting a pre-election assessment of Zambia’s preparations for presidential, parliamentary and local elections to be held on Sept. 20.

The five-day assessment, Aug. 14-18, reflects the international community’s interest in and support for credible elections in Zambia. It is intended to provide a preliminary assessment of the electoral environment and preparations for the elections as well as a framework for an NDI long-term international observation of the September polls.

NDI is conducting a pre-election assessment of Zambia’s preparations for presidential, parliamentary and local elections to be held on Sept. 20.

“NDI looks forward to a successful and peaceful election in which the citizens of Zambia can freely cast their ballots and where the outcome will be accepted and respected by all,” said Pat Merloe, NDI’s senior associate and director of election programs. “It is the people of Zambia who will ultimately determine the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.”

The delegation will be made up of His Excellency Quett Ketumile Masire, former president of Botswana; Thomas Daschle, former U.S. Senate majority leader and vice chair of NDI’s board of directors; Ayo Obe, chair of the Goree Institute’s board of trustees in Senegal and former president of the Civil Liberties Organization in Nigeria; Merloe; Keith Jennings, NDI’s senior associate and regional director for Southern and East Africa; and Xoliswa Sibeko, NDI’s resident director in South Africa.

While in Lusaka, the group will meet with senior government officials; election administrators; political party candidates and representatives; civil society, business and women leaders; media representatives; citizen monitors; security forces; religious leaders; and representatives of the international community who are supporting the electoral process and political development.

The delegation will assess the prevailing political environment in Zambia and preparations for the elections, and identify areas where improvements may be needed to guarantee the integrity and transparency of the polls and increase public confidence in the electoral process. The mission will prepare a statement of its findings that will be shared with Zambian government officials, election authorities, political parties, civil society and the international community.

On Aug. 8, NDI deployed 10 long-term international observers, including members of the Southern African Development Community’s Election Support Network, throughout Zambia’s nine provinces.

The international observers will conduct their activities in a nonpartisan manner in accordance with applicable law and international standards for election monitoring set forth in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. Over the last 25 years, the Institute has conducted more than 200 election observation missions worldwide.

Related:

Published Aug. 14, 2011

NDI - Zambia

NDI E-news: Women's Leadership, Zambia, Focus Group Research | October 2011

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CSEC Statement: Verification of Official Election Results

Official ECZ Results for Presidential Election Accurately Reflect Votes Cast

In Zambia, Official Results for Presidential Election Accurately Reflect Votes Cast

The CSEC collects election monitors' reports at the data center in Lusaka. Photo by Chris Doten, NDI senior program officer.

Preliminary Statement on the 2011 Zambian Tripartate Elections

In Letter to Party Leaders, NDI Delegation Members Urge Credible and Peaceful Elections for Zambia

NDI E-news: Democracy Day, Libya, Pakistan, African Elections | Sept. 2011

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CONTRIBUTE

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Youths Agree to Renounce Violence | Sept. 1, 2011

Kelley J. Jones

NDI Tips Zambia on Credible Polls | Aug. 18, 2011

Concerted Efforts Needed in Zambia for Credible, Peaceful Elections, NDI Delegation Finds

Concerted Efforts Needed in Zambia for Credible, Peaceful Elections, NDI Delegation Finds

Statement from NDI Pre-Election Delegation to Zambia's September 2011 Elections

NDI Delegation to Assess Pre-Election Environment in Zambia

NDI Delegation to Assess Pre-Election Environment in Zambia