The Zambian government has sent invitations to various international election monitors to come and observe the country's general elections due later this year.

Chief government spokesman Vernon Mwaanga was cited by Sunday's Zambia Daily Mail as saying the invitations were sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said invited organizations include the African Union, the Commonwealth, the United Nations, Carter Center, the European Union and the National Democratic Institute.

Others are the Southern Africa Development Community, the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa and the Inter Parliament Union.

"International monitors and observers who wish to come are likely to respond to the invitations after the date of election is announced," Mwaanga was quoted as saying.

The elections date is yet to be declared by President Levy Mwanawasa in line with the country's constitution.

The spokesman said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) had the mandate to give accreditation letters to monitors and observers.

He said monitors and observers who would not abide by the requirement of the electoral rules would have their accreditation withdrawn by the ECZ.

Source: Xinhua