EU Election Observation Mission donates equipment, materials

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Zambia, has donated equipment and material worth 4.9 million Kwacha to selected organisations which are involved in community work across the country. Speaking during the handover ceremony, EU Ambassador to Zambia and…

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Zambia, has donated equipment and material worth 4.9 million Kwacha to selected organisations which are involved in community work across the country.

 

Speaking during the handover ceremony, EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Karolina Stasiak said the donation of the equipment, which was used by the EOM, marks the mission’s closure, pending the release of a report.

 

Ms Stasiak noted that the Observation Mission represents the EU’s engagement aimed at strengthening the quality of the electoral process in Zambia.

 

She added that the exercise reflects a strong partnership between Zambia and the EU, built over many years and a shared interest in supporting credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes.

 

She stated that as the Mission comes to a close, the expert team is preparing its final report, which will provide a full assessment of the entire electoral process and include recommendations to help improve future elections.

 

“These recommendations are part of the European Union’s continued commitment to strengthening democratic processes as well as government and oversight institutions,” Ms Stasiak explained.

 

Ms Stasiak has also acknowledged the recipients of the donation noting the important role they play in responding to communities and helping them stay informed.

 

Among the recipients of the donation are Healing Balm Foundation of Livingstone, Namusola Community School of Chongwe, Prisoners’ Future Foundation of Kabwe and Kitwe District Land Alliance of Kitwe.

 

Others include community radio stations supported through BBC Media Action, the Media Self-Regulation Council and Free Press Initiative in Lusaka, In & Out of the Ghetto, Zambia Open Community Schools, Undikumbukire Zambia, and St. Lawrence Home of Hope Foundation.

 

And speaking on behalf of the recipients, Healing Balm Foundation Executive Director, Sepiso Mushoke expressed gratitude to the EU for the equipment.

 

Ms Mushoke noted that the equipment will greatly help in reducing her organisation’s operational costs as funds meant for purchase of such equipment will be saved and channeled to other needs.

 

“These are not donations that usually come to our organisations especially us who are based in rural communities”, she explained.