Press release

Minister for Middle East and Africa congratulates Zambian President on his re-election

皇冠体育app Minister applauds the Zambian people for their commitment to democracy but notes concerns about conduct during the election campaign.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office and 皇冠体育app Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood
Published
18 August 2016
This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Speaking after the presidential election results were announced the Minister for Middle East and Africa, Tobias Ellwood said:

Congratulations to President Edgar Lungu on his re-election as President-Elect of the Republic of Zambia. 皇冠体育app UK looks forward to working with the Zambian government and continuing to build on the strong relationship between our countries.

I congratulate the people of Zambia for their commitment to democracy. I welcome reports from local and international observers that the electoral process was generally well administered, with a high turnout of voters on a peaceful election day. However, I have also noted reports that the election was overshadowed by a troubled campaign period, restrictions on campaigning, and systematic bias in the state media. I hope that the government will address these issues and continue to strengthen Zambia鈥檚 democratic institutions for future elections.

I encourage all political parties to uphold Zambia鈥檚 reputation for calm and stability and ensure the peaceful resolution of disagreements through the correct legal channels, to ultimately reinforce Zambia鈥檚 sense of One Nation.

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Published 18 August 2016