Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:53:23 +0000
By Simon Muntemba
ZAMBIAN 2016 elections were free, fair, and transparent and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is a credible institution that conducted the election in a peaceful and competent manner, the SADC Heads of State have said.
And the SADC Heads of State have congratulated President Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front (PF) for emerging victorious in the August 11, 2016 general elections.
President Lungu has noted the importance of peace and security if development was to flourish.
Delivering his first speech since the election of Zambia as deputy chair of the organ on politics, defense and security, President Lungu noted that Zambia has enjoyed the distinct privilege to serve the region in championing peace and security
“I wish to thank the member states for electing Zambia as the deputy chairperson on the organ on politics, defense and security. I am deeply humbled and delighted for this opportunity
“We continue to attach great importance to these issues because of our shared understanding that peace and security are indispensable to development and prosperity,” President Lungu said.
President Lungu further reiterated that the responsibility to champion peace in the region and Africa as a whole would be increased.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Spokesperson, Amos Chanda said during the 37th SADC Summit in South Africa, that Heads of State endorsed the report by the SADC Observer Mission on the August 11, 2016, saying it was free, fair, and transparent.
Mr. Chanda disclosed that the Head of States further congratulated President Lungu and the Patriotic Front for emerging victorious.
“The Summit at SADC level has endorsed and formally passed the report of the SADC Observer Mission report endorsing Zambian 2016 elections as free, fair, and transparent and the Electoral Commission of Zambia as a credible institution that over and above despite the pre-election incidences, the ECZ had conducted the election in a peaceful and competent manner,” Mr. Chanda said.
And Mr. Chanda said President Lungu was ready to meet the two South African opposition leaders, Mmusi Maimane and Julius Malema after he was informed of their planned picket at his hotel, so they could directly present their grievances.
