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Monze District Movement for Multi-Party Democracy-MMD vice-chairman Mr. Bernard Chisangano has defected with immediate effect to join the Patriotic Front.
Announcing his resignation, Mr. Chisangano said he decided to resign saying the PF government has lined out a number of programs that will benefit the country.
Mr. Chisangano has also urged the former ruling party district executive to work with the new government and help develop the country.
”Yes today I have joined the PF and I want to work with the new government which has proved to the nation that it is capable of taking the country forward. And I want to ask my colleagues i worked with in the MMD to join me and work together,” Chisangano said[pullquote].Ine lelo nachoka mu MMD nangena mu PF[/pullquote]
”The time has come for everyone to start afresh and look forward as the elections has come to an ened but the country continues. I want to appeal to the PF government not to look upon us as enermies but to embrace us as we want to work together. I also want to appeal to the PF government to use us in anyway possible”, he added.
Another figure that has resigned from the MMD is Monze Central Manungu ward chairlady, a Miss Queen.
She was speaking in an interview saying it does not pay to belong to an opposition claiming that the PF government has what it takes to lead Zambia to its greatest height.
”Ine lelo nachoka mu MMD nangena mu PF. Nifuna kusebenza nabantu bamene bafuna ncinto. Ba MMD bankala maningi mupower kuchoka mu 1991. Vintu nikucinja”,Queen said.
(I have today defected from the MMD and joined the PF. Iwant to work with people committed to hard work. MMD has overstayed in power since 1991. Leadership should be shared.)
Northmead Assembly of God Church Bishop Joshua Banda
THE church has called on President Sata to embrace all Zambians despite the differences he could have had with them in the past.
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) president Pukuta Mwanza says Zambians have spoken through the ballot and it is important for Mr Sata to demonstrate that he is a President of all Zambians despite their political affiliation.
Reverend Mwanza said in an interview in Lusaka on September 23 that Zambia has shown the world that democracy exists. He also described the elections as peaceful, free and fair.
“Mr Sata is now the father of this nation and he should forgive all those who could have wronged him and forge ahead in fostering development which will benefit all Zambians,” he said.
Rev Mwanza said the church is happy with the manner in which Zambians and all political leaders who participated in the tripartite elections, exhibited peace and unity.
And Rev Mwanza has commended outgoing President Banda for conceding defeat and respecting the will of the people. He said Mr Banda has exhibited maturity and kept his word.
“Mr Banda has shown Zambians and the world at large that democracy truly exists in Zambia by accepting defeat in a dignified manner and respecting the will of the people,” Rev Mwanza said.
He said the church is grateful that Mr Banda served the Zambian people well and contributed to the development of the nation in the few years he has been in office.
Rev Mwanza said very few leaders in Africa can do what Mr Banda has demonstrated—to respect the will of the people.
“Mr Banda is a beacon of democracy and he should be respected for contributing to championing democracy in Zambia,” he said.
Rev Mwanza also called on Zambians to give President Sata all the support he needs, to enable him to steer the country’s development more effectively.
Northmead Assemblies of God Church overseer Bishop Joshua Banda said he was delighted that God answered the prayers of Zambians for peaceful elections.
Bishop Banda said the transition of power from former President Banda to President Sata is a harmonious historic moment.
He said President Banda has demonstrated statesmanship in the way he has handed over power to Mr Sata. Bishop Banda said the move is a sign of maturity which should be commended.
He said he was glad that the inaugural speech by President Sata acknowledged his predecessor’s contribution to the development of Zambia.
“I am glad that his speech is based on moving Zambia forward in unity and development,” Bishop Banda said.
It is important for party cadres take a leaf from the gesture that Mr Sata has shown to his predecessor because Zambia is for everyone, he said.
“Mr Sata and Mr Banda have demonstrated to all Zambians that this country belongs to all of us and it is important for us to maintain peace and unity to forge forward,” Bishop Banda said.
He said although there were pockets of violence in some places, the tripartite elections were held in a peaceful manner.
“I commend all Zambians for exhibiting maturity during and after elections,” Bishop Banda said.
US President Barack Obama congratulated Zambia yesterday on its “historic” elections and said he looked forward to working with incoming leader Michael Sata.
The polls in Zambia, one of the few African countries to have the ruling party change democratically twice since independence, were marred by sporadic violence, but the US leader said it commended the southern African nation “for building on your commitment to multiparty democracy.”
“Zambia’s Electoral Commission, political leaders, civil society, and above all its citizens all contributed to this important accomplishment,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
He also hailed outgoing leader Rupiah Banda’s “contributions to Zambia’s democratic development,” and his “admirable acceptance of the will of the Zambian people.”
Observers said the violence, which left two people dead on Thursday had not compromised the elections, and found no evidence of fraud in the voting.
Scores of police on horseback or in riot helmets stood by, but Banda’s speedy concession of defeat diminished the chance of more unrest.
“The hard work of a living democracy does not end when the votes are tallied and the winners announced,” Obama warned.
“Instead it offers the chance to reconcile and to advance greater security and prosperity for its people.
“I hope that all Zambians will find common ground as you address the challenges and seize the opportunities facing your country and our world.”
In what is suspected to be acts of reprisals, MMD Lusaka province Chairperson, William Banda’s property in Bauleni compound was early this morning destroyed by jubilant residents.
The assault on the controversial MMD leader’s property started immediately some residents got information that the PF leader had scooped the 2011 polls.
Household property and two vehicles worth millions of Kwacha at Mr. Banda’s guest house and residence have been stolen and destroyed in the fracas.
Police officers had to rescue Mr. Banda who was in the house at the time.
FAZ Division One North side Chambishi Coach Davies Chibemba has ruled out his team’s chances of wining promotion to the elite league this season.
Chambishi has spent half of this year’s Division One North Campaign in the bottom half, a fate that resulted in the sacking Coach Emmanuel Siwale in the middle of the season.
In an interview with LT in Kitwe, Chibemba, an ex-Chambishi player, stated that he was currently building a team that would compete for promotion next season.
He said:” Wining promotion to the Super Division as at now is out, but we are building a team for next season”.
“I am trying to build a team with young stars; I think you have seen our performance has been bad in the past”. Chibemba said.
Despite ruling out his side’s chances of wining promotion this season, Chibemba declared that Chambishi was targeting to collect more points in the remaining games and finish on a respectable position.
“In the remaining games, obviously we will go flat-out to collect more points and finish on respectable position”.
Before the FAZ-organized league games went on a one-week recess to pave way for this week’s general elections, Chambishi battled to a goalless draw against Mining Rangers at Joseph Musonda Stadium in Buchi area.
The inauguration of Michael Sata, Zambia's fifth president has been sworn in to assume.{picture by Dr.Simuyemba}
Chief Justice Ernest Sakala Friday afternoon swore in Mr Sata as Zambia’s Fifth Republican President at the Supreme court grounds in Lusaka.
This was at a ceremony that was attended by former heads of state and Foreign dignitaries accredited to Zambia and thousands of Zambians.
Former Republican President Rupiah Banda handed over the instruments of power to Mr. Sata which include an orange flag and the country’s constitution.
Speaking after he was sworn in, Republican President Michael Sata called for the spirit of reconciliation and love in the country.
President Sata also called on Zambians not to engage in any acts of violence as it can divide the country and erode its development.
Mr. Sata appealed to Zambians to bury the past and start afresh in the spirit of reconciliation and love.
He has thanked the Zambian people for giving him a five year mandate to rule the country.
Mr. Sata reiterated his commitment to the people of Zambia that he will bring development within ninety days.
He also hailed the Electoral Commission of Zambia for conducting a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election despite the many challenges that the commission faced.
The crowd during the inauguration ceremony raise the PF symbol as they sing the national anthem.{picture by Dr.Simuyemba}
And President Sata has vowed to Stamp out corruption in the country, saying his government will not tolerate any acts of corruption.
He also assured the people of Zambia that the rule of the law shall always prevail.
President Sata says social justice will be the corner stone of his governance system.
Mr Sata becomes Zambia’s fifth President after amassing beating nine other contestants in the race which ended into voting on Tuesday 20th September.
His party the Patriotic Front got over 60 parliamentary seats out of the 150 that the country has.
A Patriotic Front cadre celebrates his party's victory along President avenue in Ndola
2.
Patriotic Front members cerebrating their party's victory along President avenue in Ndola
3.
PF Supporters celebrate their party victory in Chipata
4.
PF Supporters celebrate their party victory in Chipata
5.
Patriotic Front's Kennedy Sakeni and his supporters after he scooped the seat in Mansa.
6.
Police form a cordon to restrain Patriotic Front cadres from beseiging the National Results totaling centre at Mulungushi International Conference centre.
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A Patriotic Front cadre dances in victory in front of a police cordon.
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Patriotic Front youths undress in victory after Sata won the presidential elections.
9.
Sylvia Masebo makes her way into the Mulungushi International conference centre after Sata won the elections
10.
Sylvia Masebo in her car (c) driving in the convoy along Great East road after it was announced that Sata had won the elections
Amukema was born and bred in Zambia , but is now based in Australia . He has a clothing store called Grill’d Teez Clothing . He recently opened a store in his home country ,Zambia.
“Grill’d Teez Clothing is the quintessential symbol of the urban rebellion expressed through clothing. We use nothing but the finest fabric and provide a platform unification of different cultures which is not restricted or bound by any law or social norm! We clash colours if we want to, can go baggy or formal and aren’t afraid to experiment for your wearing pleasure! ”
KAPA187: What made you want to have a clothing store , what was your inspiration.
Amukema My greatest inspiration is my love for clothes and looking good. My father always told me when i was young that everytime i left the house i was reprsenting the family. so i always wanted to look my best.
KAPA187: What demographic is your label targeted towards?
Amukema :My label is targeted at the affluent part of society..those who appreciate good quality well styled clothing young or old.. All the clothes are limited edition and are made from the exceptional fabric. This is why our slogan for Africa is smarter than your average rebel. Because all of us young or old have a michevious or say devious side that we like to hide.. this clothing allows you to express it while still look classy and grown.
KAPA187: What attracts people to your label , what is unique about it?
Amukema :My label is unique because of its ability to evovle by fashion forward and trendy. We are an urban brand but our clothes are a classy smart casual look for men and women. they are all like the fashion blue print “the little black dress”. you can basically dress it up or dress it down.so most of the garments could be worn out to the club but also to work.
KAPA187: Tell us about the day you opened your store in lusaka , how did it feel? and how was it like to make your first sale.
Amukema : The day i opened the zambian store was a very emotional experience for me. I had always dreamt of doing it and to see it all unfold was amazing. making that first sale was brilliant, realissing people are actually willing to spend ther hard earned money on something created is a wonderful eeling. it makes it worth it. not the money .. just that they appreciate your effort. The store is located at 22 Old brentwood Drive Long acress by the way.
KAPA187: You are currently based in Australia , how did that come about?
Amukema :I came to Australia in 2003 and went to Univervisty at the Univeristy of Notredame, where i graduated with a double Degree in Commerce.
KAPA187: What would you say are the not-so obvious drawbacks of living outside of your home country and building an business?
Amukema :Only one real drawback really was Capital (Money). if you have any other drawback then business is not for you. 🙂
KAPA187: Which clothing line do you look at and think “one day we will be as big as that one” ?
Amukema :I don’t really look at any clothing line id like to emulate, i just want to improve my own brand everyday so i can sell more garments than the day before.
KAPA187: What two pieces of advice would you give someone who wants to start there own clothing label?
Amukema :Heheeh.. don’t do it unless you are totaly commited to it. Its a very capital intesive business and is a gamble. The honest truth is just dont get discouraged by kncok back .. people will believe in it if you do!:)
KAPA187: Do you have any hidden talent that not many people know about?
Amukema :hmm talents well… can’t really comment about the bedroom cause i’m married. apart from that none really..hehehe
KAPA187: Where will you be in the next 10 years?
Amukema :I ‘ll be the head of one of the biggest brands in Africa and parts of Europe:) God willing!
KAPA187: Do you have any style tips for our readers
Amukema :Style tips are very easy.. don’t follow any rules except know you body shape and exploit the colours that look good against your skin tone and whateva you do dress with confidence.
On the 7th of october Grill’d Teez Clothing will be hosting the first of a monthly v.i.p party , and they will have a playstation tournament (FIFA 11) on the 21 of october.
For more information about the clothing and events Like the Grill’d Teez Clothing page on Facebook.
Zambia’s kwacha fell to a 12-month low of 5,030 against the dollar on Friday after opposition leader Michael Sata, a fierce critic of foreign mining investment, especially from China, won a surprise election victory.
Traders said the currency of Africa’s biggest copper producer was likely to remain on the back foot until Sata provided clarity on his economic policies.
He told Reuters last week he would maintain strong commercial and diplomatic ties with China and would not introduce a minerals windfall tax. He also implied he might impose some form of capital controls to keep dollars in the country.
“Right now there’s a bit of uncertainty about what changes in policy we’re going to see with Sata,” said Coura Fall, an Africa analyst at Citi in Johannesburg.
“The kwacha will continue to be vulnerable, at least until there’s clarity about what’s going to happen. Everybody is trying to see what Sata is really about.”
Other factors weighing on the kwacha are a 17 percent decline in the last three weeks in the price of copper, which accounts for 80 percent of Zambia’s export revenue, and the more general global flight from risky emerging and frontier market assets.
Sata is due to be sworn in on Friday, only hours after the declaration of his election victory over incumbent Rupiah Banda, whose Movement for Multi-party Democracy had run the southern African country since the end of one-party rule in 1991.
I HAVE CALLED THIS PRESS CONFERENCE TO SAY A FEW WORDS. THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN OF 2011 IS OVER. THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA HAVE SPOKEN AND WE MUST ALL LISTEN. SOME WILL BE HAPPY WITH WHAT THEY HAVE HEARD, OTHERS WILL NOT.
THE TIME NOW IS FOR MATURITY, FOR COMPOSURE AND FOR COMPASSION. TO THE VICTORS, I SAY THIS: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CELEBRATE BUT DO SO WITH A MAGNANIMOUS HEART. ENJOY THE HOUR BUT REMEMBER THAT A TERM OF GOVERNMENT IS FOR YEARS.
REMEMBER THAT THE NEXT ELECTION WILL JUDGE YOU ALSO.
TREAT THOSE WHO YOU HAVE VANQUISHED WITH THE RESPECT AND HUMILITY THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT IN YOUR OWN HOUR OF DEFEAT.
I KNOW THAT ALL ZAMBIANS WILL EXPECT SUCH BEHAVIOUR AND I HOPE IT WILL BE DELIVERED. SPEAKING FOR MYSELF AND MY PARTY, WE WILL ACCEPT THE RESULTS. WE ARE A DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND WE KNOW NO OTHER WAY.
IT IS NOT FOR US TO DENY THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE. WE NEVER RIGGED, WE NEVER CHEATED, WE NEVER KNOWINGLY ABUSED STATE FUNDS. WE SIMPLY DID WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS BEST FOR ZAMBIA. I HOPE THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL ACT LIKEWISE IN YEARS TO COME.
ZAMBIA DESERVES A DECENT DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. INDEED, ZAMBIA MUST BUILD ON HER PAST VICTORIES. OUR INDEPENDENCE WAS HARD WON, OUR DEMOCRACY SECURED WITH BLOOD.
ZAMBIA MUST NOT GO BACKWARDS, WE MUST ALL FACE THE FUTURE AND GO FORWARD AS ONE NATION. NOT TO DO SO WOULD DISHONOUR OUR HISTORY.
TO MY PARTY, TO THE MMD CANDIDATES WHO DID NOT WIN, THE LESSON IS SIMPLE. NEXT TIME WE MUST TRY HARDER.
WE FOUGHT A GOOD CAMPAIGN. IT WAS DISCIPLINED. I STILL BELIEVE WE HAD A GOOD MESSAGE AND WE REACHED EVERY PART OF THE COUNTRY.
WE TRAVELLED TO ALL NINE PROVINCES AND WE SPOKE TO ALL ZAMBIANS. TO THOSE WHO WORKED EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, I SAY ‘THANK YOU’. YOU HAVE DONE YOUR BEST. BUT, SADLY, SOMETIMES OUR BEST IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
DO NOT BE DISHEARTENED. THE MMD WILL BE BACK. WE MUST ALL FACE THE REALITY THAT SOMETIMES IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE. SINCE 1991, THE MMD HAS BEEN IN POWER. I BELIEVE WE HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB ON BEHALF OF ALL ZAMBIANS.
FREDERICK CHILUBA LED US TO A GENUINE MULTI-PARTY STATE AND INTRODUCED THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO OUR KEY INDUSTRIES. ZAMBIA WAS LIBERATED BY AN MMD IDEAL BUT MAYBE WE BECAME COMPLACENT WITH OUR IDEALS. MAYBE WE DID NOT LISTEN, MAYBE WE DID NOT HEAR.
DID WE BECOME GREY AND LACKING IN IDEAS? DID WE LOSE MOMENTUM? OUR DUTY NOW IS TO GO AWAY AND REFLECT ON ANY MISTAKES WE MAY HAVE MADE AND LEARN FROM THEM. IF WE DO NOT, WE DO NOT DESERVE TO CONTEST POWER AGAIN.
THE ZAMBIA WE KNOW TODAY WAS BUILT BY AN MMD GOVERNMENT. WE KNOW OUR PLACE IN HISTORY AND WE KNOW THAT WE CAN COME BACK TO LEAD AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. A NEW LEADERSHIP WILL BE CHOSEN, AND THAT LEADERSHIP WILL BE FROM THE YOUNGER GENERATION.
MY GENERATION… THE GENERATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE– MUST NOW GIVE WAY TO NEW IDEAS; IDEAS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. FROM THIS DEFEAT, A NEW, YOUNGER MMD WILL BE RE-BORN. IF I CAN SERVE THAT RE-BUILDING, THEN I WILL.
I MUST THANK MY CABINET FOR DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISES. WE DID A LOT OF GOOD FOR ZAMBIA. MANY OF OUR PROJECTS WILL BLOSSOM INTO BRIGHT FLOWERS. SOME OF YOU WILL BE BACK TO SERVE ZAMBIA AGAIN – I KNOW YOU WILL DO YOUR BEST FOR YOUR PARTY AND FOR YOUR COUNTRY.
TO THE CIVIL SERVANTS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE WITH YOU. WE HAVE WORKED MANY LONG HOURS TOGETHER. WE DID IT NOT FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR ZAMBIA. SERVE YOUR NEXT MASTERS AS YOU DID ME, AND ZAMBIA WILL BE IN GOOD HANDS.
I MUST THANK MY FAMILY AND MY WIFE. THEY HAVE STOOD BY ME AND I CANNOT ASK FOR MORE LOYALTY THAN THAT WHICH THEY HAVE DISPLAYED. I LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY AND I WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR DEBT.
BEING PRESIDENT IS HARD WORK, IT TAKES LONG HOURS OF WORK. AND BECAUSE OF IT, I HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR YOU. YET, STILL YOU WERE THERE FOR ME.
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE DEPTH OF MY LOVE FOR YOU ALL. ALL I ASK IS THAT MY FAMILY CONTINUES TO SERVE ZAMBIA AS I HAVE SOUGHT TO DO.
BUT MY GREATEST THANKS MUST GO TO THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE. WE MAY BE A SMALL COUNTRY ON THE MIDDLE OF AFRICA BUT WE ARE A GREAT NATION. SERVING YOU HAS BEEN A PLEASURE AND AN HONOUR. I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE, I WISH I HAD MORE TIME TO GIVE.
OUR POTENTIAL IS GREAT. OUR RESOURCES ARE IMPRESSIVE.
I URGE YOU ALL NOW TO RALLY BEHIND YOUR NEW PRESIDENT.
YES, WE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS BUT WE BOTH WANT THE SAME THING – A BETTER ZAMBIA.
NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR VIOLENCE AND RETRIBUTION.
NOW IS THE TIME TO UNITE AND BUILD TOMORROW’S ZAMBIA TOGETHER. ONLY BY WORKING TOGETHER CAN WE ACHIEVE A MORE PROSPEROUS ZAMBIA.
IN MY YEARS OF RETIREMENT, I HOPE TO WATCH ZAMBIA GROW. I GENUINELY WANT ZAMBIA TO FLOURISH. WE SHOULD ALL WANT ZAMBIA TO FLOURISH. SO, I CONGRATULATE MICHAEL SATA ON HIS VICTORY.
I HAVE NO ILL FEELING IN MY HEART, THERE IS NO MALICE IN MY WORDS. I WISH HIM WELL IN HIS YEARS AS PRESIDENT.
I PRAY HIS POLICIES WILL BEAR FRUIT.
BUT NOW IT IS TIME FOR ME TO STEP ASIDE. NOW IS THE TIME FOR A NEW LEADER. MY TIME IS DONE. IT IS TIME FOR ME TO SAY ‘GOOD BYE’.
MAY GOD WATCH OVER THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE AND MAY HE BLESS OUR BEAUTIFUL NATION.
I THANK YOU.
=============================================END OF AN ERA=================== The Future of Zambia-Two finely dressed young politicians of the newly independent Zambia Rupiah Bwezani Banda (L) and Venon Johnson Mwaanga (R)
With less than an hour to go before President elect Michael Chilufya Sata is sworn in as the fifth Republican President of Zambia, patriotic Front (PF) cadres and sympathizers finally managed to gain entry into mass media complex to express their gratitude through their slogans and ululations.
The Unstoppable but somewhat peaceful cadres gained entry into mass media while chanting pro-PF slogans such, “let’s go Sata, let’s go,” while police officers followed them as they went straight front the entrance to the Zambia News and Information Services’ (ZANIS) Camera Section.
Five minutes later, the excited cadres of the now ruling party peacefully in the company of police officers turned back to the exit as they continued chanting on their way out.
ZANIS and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) members of staff peep through the windows while the brave ones came to see exactly what the cadres were up to.
However, the situation turned out different as the cadres did not damage any property or cause any injury to staff in mass media but merely cause anxieties in some people while others felt threaten.
The cadres later joined their fellows who were on their way to parliament where the President-elect was set to be inaugurated.
Jubilation and dance characterised the streets of Lusaka, the country’s capital city after final results of Tuesday’s tripartite elections were announced at the national totalling centre at Mulungushi Conference Centre shortly after midnight, today.
Meanwhile streets of Lusaka are full of cadres who are jubilating the victory of the 20th September, 2011 polls causing commotion especially in roads where traffic rules seem to have been ignored.
Chief Justice Ernest Sakala who is the returning office for the office of President declared Mr. Sata winner of this year’s presidential election.
At exactly 00:34 hours today, Mr. Sata was declared winner after he polled 1, 150,045 in the 143 constituencies tallied.
Chief Justice Ernest Sakala explained that it was within the law to declare Mr. Sata president even before the other seven constituencies were tallied.
Outgoing President Rupiah Banda only managed to poll 961, 796 votes.
The Inauguration Ceremony of the President -Elect Mr.Michael Sata will be held at 10.30hrs at Parliament Buildings.The Clerk of the National Assembly wishes to inform all elected Members of Parliament who wish to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of the President-Elect, that there are invitation cards for them at the Members Parliament Motel.
This is contained in a Press Release made available to ZANIS by the Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs Doris Katai Mwinga.
Mr.Sata won with 1,150,045 votes, representation 43% of the total from 143 constituencies. The incumbent President Rupiah Banda had 961,796 votes, representating 36.1%. Eight other candidates shared the remainder.
Following the announcement of results, scores of Lusaka residents took to the streets in solidarity of the President elect chanting pro-PF slogans of “Don’t Kubeba’,hooting and trumpeting the famous Vuvuzelas.
[ZANIS]
Polling agents, European Union (EU) observers together with ECZ officials and Police officers witnessing the counting of ballot papers cast at Shangombo basic School in Western Province
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Zambia (EISA) has observed that the counting process of election ballot papers was conducted in an open and transparent manner.
EISA mission leader Yusuf Aboobaker said the observation mission was happy with the level of cooperation among agents of various political parties, election observers and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) polling officials.
He told ZANIS in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the cooperation among all the key stakeholders has made the counting procedure generally orderly.
Mr. Aboobaker said ECZ made necessary polling arrangements that allowed the participation of all registered voters in Zambia adding that polling officials conducted their duties in the most efficient and transparent manner.
He said minor incidents that occurred during voting process did not prevent voters from expressing their choice and would not affect the general outcome of the election.
Mr. Aboobaker said the observation mission was impressed with the widespread presence of political party monitors and other election observers with their preparedness to participate in this election.
The mission leader said there was a climate of peace, tolerance and general enthusiasm for voting process.
Mr. Aboobaker said EISA was satisfied with various observer missions currently witnessing elections in Zambia.
Despite the country’s tripartite elections held on Tuesday this week, there has not been disturbances on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) which has continued to record slight improvements in the shares traded
The LuSE all share index now stands at 3,815.11 points up by 0.03 percent from Friday’s close of 3,813.95.
According to the LuSE daily commentary bulletin a total volume of 87,780 shares were transacted in 23 trades worth K168 million.
The market movers were BATA which went up K6 and closed at K1 506 and National Breweries improved by K50 to end the day at K 7,350.
ZANIS reports that trading activities were also recorded in LAFARGE, ZANACO, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, PUMA, Copperbelt Energy Company (CEC) and Zambia Sugar.
The dual listed companies as at Wednesday 21st September 2011 were First Quantum Minerals Zambia at 17.94 cents, Shoprite at 11,319 cents, ZAMBEEF 43.00 pence and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines –Investment Holdings at 2.24 Euros.
Trading in the local currency and other convertible currencies has also maintained their trading activities.
According to the Bank of Zambia bulleting, the kwacha has continued with its K4, 939.06 for buying and K4, 959.06 for selling to US$1.
Other currencies like the British pound has also broken the K8,201.58 and K8.236.48 trading range to trade between K7,575.78 and K7,607.99 for buying and selling, while the South African rand is between K621.74 and 625.34 and the Euro is buying for K6,654.89 and selling for K6,683.78.
And prices of most non ferrous metals on the London Metal Exchange have also slightly increased with copper selling at US$8, 22.00, Aluminum is at US$ 2, 266.00, Nickel is now trading at US$ 20,700.00 while lead has been pegged at US$ 2,259.50.
