By Wendy Mkandawire
His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has appointed Justice Samuel Batson Tembenu to lead the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) to the Republic of Zambia.
In a statement signed by Minister of Information, Shadric Namalomba, government said the appointment is in line with the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021.
The guidelines provide that the Chairperson of the SADC Organ officially constitutes and deploys SEOM following an invitation from a member state holding general elections.
According to Namalomba, Justice Tembenu, a reputable Senior Counsel and former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, will lead a team of observers drawn from the 16 SADC member states to observe Zambia’s General Elections.
Zambia is scheduled to hold General Elections on 13th August 2026. Voters will elect the President, Members of Parliament, Local Government Councillors, Council Chairpersons, and Mayors.
