Election observers from the southern African region have declared Zambia's elections as free and fair.

The regional observers, who monitored Zambia's September 28 tripartite polls, said on Saturday that elections were conducted in a manner that allowed people to express their democratic choice.

"We can not hesitate to say that elections were generally free and fair though there were shortcomings here and there," Abel Thoahlane, mission leader of the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA), said at a briefing called to give preliminary assessment of the polls. EISA is a non-profit organization whose vision is to promote credible elections and democratic governance in Africa.

According to preliminary findings, polling arrangements were made in such a manner as to allow the participation of all registered voters while polling officials conducted themselves according to the law.

While acknowledging the transparent manner in which the elections were conducted, the observers expressed concern over some minor incidences such as slow process of voting, the late arrival of ballot papers in some polling stations as areas that need improvement.

And the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observer mission has congratulated Zambia for holding elections in a peaceful, credible and well-managed manner.

"With regard to the polling process, it is SADC's overall view that the elections were conducted in an open, transparent and professional manner," SADC mission leader Philip Marmo said at a briefing on Saturday.

"All electoral kits were delivered on time. Despite delays in some stations, most polling stations opened and closed at the appointed times and SADC was impressed by the orderliness and patience of voters," he added.

According to the mission leader, the civil behavior and enthusiasm demonstrated during the campaign, casting and counting process bear testimony of a total commitment and adherence to the laws and regulations governing electoral processes in the country.

The observers have since called on all political parties and candidates to respect the will of the people.

Final elections results are yet to be announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as the Lusaka-based counting center is still gathering tallies from various constituencies.

Source: Xinhua