Accreditation

The 2011 elections will be open to observation and monitoring by international and local organisations respectively. Accreditation has now commenced and interested parties are encouraged to apply for accreditation well prior to election day. This will assist in avoiding queues and delays in the issuing of accreditation cards.
International Observers

International organisations are invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Government has already sent invitations to various institutions like the African Union, European Union (EU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). Other international persons or organisations interested can apply directly to the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has opened the International Observer Accreditation Centre (IOAC). The IOAC is located in the Golden Bridge Hotel, Great East Road, Lusaka, and is in a room to the left of the main reception desk. The IOAC operates from 08:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00 hours daily including weekends. The IOAC Supervisor can be contacted on 0977 217578.

To obtain accreditation the following is required:

• A letter addressed to the Director of Elections, Electoral Commission of Zambia, requesting accreditation
• Applicants can either apply in person or, if not, provide a photograph on a USB stick, a copy of their passport, and completed application and compliance forms. Application for Accreditation as an Observer for the 2011 Elections forms and Declaration of Compliance by Monitors and Observers forms (Form ECC2) are available at the IOAC. Alternatively, you can download them here: Form ECC2, Accreditation Form
• Accreditation cards are issued on receipt of the necessary documentation and the process takes approximately 5 minutes per accreditation.

International observers must pledge adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct and this is done by completion of Form ECC2.
 

Local Election Monitors

Local organisations will also be required to apply to the Electoral Commission of Zambia through the District Electoral Officers (who are either the Town Clerks or Council Secretaries for the respective city or district councils) in the Districts they wish to monitor the elections. The organisation applying for accreditation of its members will be required to submit names and National Registration Card Numbers of the persons to be accredited. Each person on the application list should complete a Declaration of Compliance by Monitors and Observers form (Form ECC2) pledging adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct. Form ECC2 is available from the District Offices or from here.

The accreditation of local monitors has been decentralised to quicken the process.