The Zambian Government has rejected the European Parliament's recent resolution on Zambia's post-election, describing it as premature and saying that it was adopted without sufficient engagement with the Zambian authorities.

In a statement, Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and informed by engagement with the concerned government.

The government has since requested the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene a formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service to discuss the issues raised by the resolution.

On concerns relating to access to justice and treason charges, the government maintained that Zambia's judiciary is independent under Article 122 of the Constitution.

It said persons facing criminal charges are entitled to constitutional protections, including a fair and impartial trial, due process and access to legal representation of their choice.

The government further said issues concerning bail, trial dates and judicial proceedings are determined independently by the courts and are not subject to executive direction.