“What Transpired After Zambia’s Elections Came as a Profound Shock to Me” — EU Election Chief

The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Zambia’s 2026 elections, Michael McNamara, has called for a speedy and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting of former Cabinet Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Speaking during debate in the European Parliament, McNamara said developments following Zambia’s August elections had come as a “profound shock” after what he described as the country’s proud democratic tradition and respect for the rule of law.

McNamara, an Irish Member of the European Parliament, led the EU mission that observed Zambia’s August 13 general election.

The EU had deployed about 100 observers across the country.

He said Kafwaya’s death required a transparent investigation and accountability, including scrutiny of those who exercised command responsibility.

“The fatal shooting of Minister Kafwaya needs to be investigated very speedily, very transparently,” McNamara told Parliament.

Kafwaya died following an August 14 security operation at a property linked to opposition leader Brian Mundubile.

Authorities have said he died during an exchange of gunfire, while the circumstances surrounding the shooting have remained disputed.

McNamara also raised concern about opposition figures facing treason charges, calling for their cases to proceed speedily and transparently and for those accused to have unimpeded access to their lawyers.

His comments follow concerns already raised by the EU mission about Zambia’s electoral process.

Its preliminary assessment described election day as generally calm but said the broader process took place in an environment where fundamental freedoms were limited and campaign conditions were unequal.

The EU mission has continued examining developments beyond polling day, including the post-election human-rights environment.