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The European Union’s chief observer for Zambia’s 2026 elections has expressed shock over developments following the election, calling for a speedy and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting of former cabinet minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya, and due process in treason proceedings against opposition figures.
Michael McNamara, who led the European Union Election Observation Mission to Zambia’s Aug. 13 general election, said his experience in the country had given him an appreciation of its democratic traditions, rule of law and judicial independence.
“There I learned of Zambia’s very proud tradition of democracy, that rule of law was entrenched, and the importance of independence of the judiciary, which was very broadly respected in the country. Therefore what transpired in the post-election period comes as a profound shock to me, but also to many Zambians and to to delegations of members states presents in Zambia,” McNamara said.
McNamara, an Irish Member of the European Parliament, made the remarks during a debate in the European Parliament on Thursday.
He said the circumstances surrounding Kafwaya’s death required a swift and transparent investigation.
“Minister Kafwaya needs to be investigated very speedily, very transparently,” McNamara said.
Kafwaya was killed on Aug. 14 during a security operation at a property linked to opposition leader Brian Mundubile in Lusaka.
McNamara also addressed treason charges arising from the post-election period against Mundubile, his 2026 running mate Makebi Zulu and others, calling for a speedy and transparent trial.
“Likewise, there is need for a very speedy and transparent trial of those who are charged with treason,” he said.
He said those charged should be granted unimpeded access to legal representation.
McNamara said he had spent much of the summer in Zambia as chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission.
“I spent much of the summer in Zambia where I had the honour to be the chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission,” McNamara said.
The EU mission observed the Aug. 13 general election, deploying observers across the country to independently assess the electoral process.
The mission has said its assessment of Zambia’s electoral process is independent and impartial and that it does not interfere in the country’s electoral or legal processes.
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