Former Ethiopian Deputy PM Leads AU–COMESA Pre-Election Mission to Zambia Ahead of August Polls

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 —Former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, visited Zambia from 4–8 May 2026 as head of a joint African Union–COMESA Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission ahead of Zambia’s general elections scheduled for 13 August 2026.

During the mission, Demeke and a joint team from the African Union and COMESA engaged in wide-ranging consultations with key electoral, governmental, and governance stakeholders, ENA learned.

These included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, various government ministries, representatives of opposition political parties, the COMESA Secretary General, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors.

Discussions centered on evaluating Zambia’s pre-election environment, reviewing the readiness of electoral institutions, and assessing ongoing efforts to ensure the August 2026 polls are conducted in a peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive manner.

 

The mission is part of broader regional and continental efforts to support democratic processes and strengthen electoral integrity across member states ahead of major national elections.