Brussels, 12/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a public declaration published on 10 November by the Presidency, the EU welcomed the peaceful conduct of the presidential elections on 30 October in Zambia and the fact that the observers were able to witness respect for the principles governing democratic elections, as outlined by the SADC: multiparty, freedom of expression and transparency. The EU welcomes the work of the Zambian Electoral Commission which, despite limited notification, managed to organise a major election with professionalism. It judged it regrettable, however, that the deadlines had not allowed for the updating of the electoral list. The EU said that it hoped the new president could help consolidate respect for the rule of law and continue to improve living conditions for his people. (A.N./transl.rh)