Last week, in Lusaka, Zambia, through our European Union-funded project, "Strengthening Democracy and Electoral Governance in Zambia" (PRO-DEM Zambia), we delivered a capacity-building training on writing electoral observation reports, bringing together ten representatives of the Prisons Care and Counselling Association (PRISCCA); Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA); Paralegal Alliance Network (PAN); & Legal Resources Foundation. These organisations are working in partnership with PRISCCA who are leading the Strengthening Democracy in Zambian Prisons (SDZP) - a component of PRO-DEM
The training follows Zambia's 13 August 2026 General Elections, during which PRISCCA, the only civil society organisation conducting voter education and monitoring inside Zambia's correctional facilities, monitored the participation of persons in lawful detention. Through its Correctional Voter Education Committees, established and trained across ten major correctional facilities in the country, PRISCCA occupies a distinct position within Zambia's civil society and electoral field, generating observations that can inform the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Zambia Correctional Service, Parliament and cooperating partners. Ensuring that these observations are documented, substantiated and communicated with rigour was the starting point for the training.
We worked with participants on the purpose, audiences, and international standards of electoral observation reporting, as well as the structure of a complete observation report, from the executive summary and methodology to findings, conclusions, recommendations, and annexes.
A central focus of the session was moving from raw observation data to evidence-based findings. Participants explored how to identify and assess sources, verify information, triangulate evidence and disaggregate data by sex and other relevant categories- elements essential to ensuring that an observation report reflects documented evidence rather than assumptions or individual views, while allowing findings to be presented with the precision and credibility required for meaningful electoral follow-up.
We also addressed the importance of impartial and accessible reporting language. Through practical examples and discussion, participants examined how findings and conclusions should clearly distinguish between what was observed and how it may be interpreted, with particular attention to keeping reports precise, clear and impartial for the institutions and stakeholders that rely on them.
Recommendations formed another key component of the training. Participants explored how to formulate recommendations that are targeted, feasible and prioritized, while clearly identifying the institutions responsible for addressing them, linking each recommendation to a specific finding and a named addressee so that observation reports can provide a practical basis for institutional follow-up and longer-term electoral reform.
The training followed a deliberately practical methodology, combining technical presentations with worked examples, analysis of extracts from real observation reports, and a group exercise in which participants drafted a findings-and-recommendations section based on sample observation data, followed by plenary feedback and discussion. Participants also received a reporting checklist and outline template to support PRISCCA's forthcoming post-election reporting.
Through this activity, we are not only supporting the quality and consistency of PRISCCA's electoral observation reporting but also contributing to institutional capacity that will be retained beyond the current electoral cycle. Strengthening civil society organisations' ability to document evidence, communicate findings and formulate practical recommendations is an important part of building a stronger ecosystem for democratic and electoral governance in Zambia.
This activity forms part of our broader support under the European Union-funded PRO-DEM Zambia project, through which we work with national institutions and civil society organizations to strengthen democratic and electoral governance across the electoral cycle in Zambia. By investing in practical, transferable work, we continue to support national actors in generating credible evidence, promoting informed dialogue, and strengthening the foundations for electoral reform in the country.
22 September 2026
