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RB is entitled to public resources for campaigning-ECZ

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The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set September 23rd to 26th 2008, as dates for nominations for the forthcoming presidential by-elections slated for 30th October, 2008.

ECZ Director, Danny Kalale said, on the nomination dates presidential candidates, are required to present 200 supporters each, who should be registered voters.

Mr. Kalale said the presidential candidates would also be required have to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of K20 million.

He said aspiring candidates would be required to lodge in their nominations to the Chief Justice, who will be the returning officer at the Supreme Court, to validate them.

He noted that according to the law, only the President and the Vice President were allowed to use government resources during campaigns.

“Government officials willing to campaign for the party should use their own resources. According to the law, only the President and Vice President are allowed to use public resources,” Mr. Kalale said.

The official campaign period will commence soon after the filing in of nominations.

Mr. Kalale further disclosed that the commission would have the ballot papers printed in South Africa.

He said the commission was currently scrutinizing various tenders from South Africa.

He said all the political parties would be required to follow the electoral code of conduct and end their campaigns on the 29th of October, 2008 at 18:00 hours.

Meanwhile, the commission has set September 27th  2008 as the nominations date for the Ndola Central and Mwansabomwe parliamentary by-elections.

Mr. Kalale said on the same date, aspiring candidates for the 13 local government by-elections across the country would file in their nominations in their respective wards and districts.

He noted that the by-elections for the parliamentary constituencies and 13 local government seats will take place on the same date as the presidential by-elections.

And the commission as set September 12th to 26th, 2008 as dates on which Zambians who have lost their voters cards would register for replacements.

Mr. Kalale said the ECZ was currently in negotiating with Ministry of Education on the possibilities of turning schools country wide as registration centers for the acquisition of new voters’ card.

He said the commission would ensure that those who lost their voters card registered at the nearest school centre so that their cards could be ready and collected between the 20th  and the 25th October, 2008.

Meanwhile all the 72 districts in the country have received the transparent ballot boxes for the forth coming presidential by-elections.

Mr. Kalale said the commission had reached an advanced stage in delivering election materials in the various districts.

He noted that out of the K231 billion needed for conducting the elections, government has so far released K56 billion, adding that a further K93 billion was expected to be released by the end of this month to enable the commission prepare for the elections adequately.

Mr. Kalale said ECZ would strive to conduct free and fair elections, adding that to that effect, the commission would soon installing  generators and lamps in all polling centres to facilitate smooth counting in case of  power failures.

He added that FAX machines have since been distributed in the districts to enable the electoral officers transmit results to the commission as quickly as possible.

He added that the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) will be the final announcement centre.

Fantastic Zambia End Togo’s World Cup Dreams

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Zambia are one foot into the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola
after a deserved 1-0 home win over Togo at Konkola Stadium in
Chililabombwe today.

Fantastic was how Zambia Coach Herve Renard described his  second
successive slender 1-0  win in the
qualifiers at the same venue after beating Swaziland by the same
margin last June in another Group 11 qualifying game.

” It was fantastic to win like this today,” Renard said. “One thing
about this team is that we can play
without a key player and am very impressed.

“It shows we have team spirit and the spirit is fantastic and we have
to  build on that.”

Meanwhile, Togo were second best throughout and only have  themselves
to blame for the loss that sees them out of the race for the 2010
World and Africa Cup finals and refused to attended the post-match
press briefing.

An Emmanuel Adebayor-less Togo looked jaded after arriving 24 hours
before the match with little time to rest after landing late Tuesday
afternoon.

Zambia were in control with Green Eagles midfielder and newboy Kebby
Hachipuka showing some great promise in that defensive midfield role.

The match also marked Mamelodi Sundowns striker Collins Mbesuma first
competive game under Renard.

For those expecting some magic from Mbesuma, there was little apart
from the tee-off that led to Zambia’s opening goal in the 29th minute.

Mbesuma’s conjured a simple layoff for French Ligue 1 Stade Rennes
midfielder Felix Katongo whose breathtaking thunderbolt hit the
horizontal before eluding Cedric Mensah to cross the line.

“He (Mbesuma) needs time,” Renard said. “The important thing is he
tried but we should be patient because he needs time.”

Mbesuma’s loss of his old sniper instict was evident for all to see in
the 62nde minute after he failed to connect with a James Chamanga
layoff with arches of space to shot on the edge of the area.

Zambia could have wrapped it up with at least three more goals
especially in the second half starting with Rainford Kalaba on 51
minutes whose near post shot was bravely saved  by Mensah before the
Togo goalkeeper was substituted after he was injured in the process.

Katongo fluffed a chance in the 71st  minute from outside the 6 yard
box and James Chamnanga too failed from similar range six minutes from
time.

Roger Kola too saw his longrange shot saved in the 86th minute by
Mensah’s replacement Abdoul Omoru.

Zambia fate to the final group stage of the 2010 World cup now lies in
the hads of Togo who must beat Group 11 leaders Swaziland next month
to see Renard continue the onerous journey to South Africa.

Renards side now leads Group 11 on 7 points from 4 games until next
when Swaziland and Togo clash in Lome.

Japan gives Zambia K12 billion grant

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The Japanese Government has given the Zambia government a grant of K12 billion for the importation of fertilizer for the 2009/10 farming season.

Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Hideto Mitamura signed on behalf of Japan while Finance and National planning Minister, Ng’andu Magande signed for the Zambian government.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, Mr. Magande said the fertilizer which will be procured using the grants will be added to the Fertilizer Support Program (FSP) and will target small scale farmers in Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi in the central province.

Mr. Magande noted that the grant will enable small scale farmers in the two districts to acquire agriculture inputs necessary for increasing food production.

He charged that most small scale farmers have been constrained to increasing food production due to among other reasons the lack of modern agriculture inputs and high transportation costs.

Mr. Magande however said the ministry of finance and energy is looking at ways of reducing the prices of fuel as a way of mitigating the cost of production.

Mr. Magande also disclosed that most farmers have already received fertilizers under the FSP for the forthcoming farming season.

He noted that this years farming inputs have been heavily subsidized by government to enable more farmers to acquire the inputs for increased food production.

Mr. Magande hoped that small scale farmers in Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi who will acquire the fertilizer under the Japanese grant will use them productively in order to increase yields and quantities.

Meanwhile Zambia and Japan have also signed records of discussions for the Zambia policy dialogue on economic cooperation.

Mr. Magande noted that the Zambia-Japan policy dialogue which takes place every year seeks to indicate the priority areas of the national development plan with a view to aligning the aid from Japan to Zambia.

He noted that the record of discussions is an important document for planning and managing the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) with regard to theJapanese financial and technical support.

Mr. Magande expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for the support it has continued to render to Zambia in the vast areas of development.

Speaking Earlier, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Hideto Mitamura said increased agriculture production and productivity are critical for the effective implementation of FNDP.

Mr. Mitamura noted that the grant is the second assistance which the Japanese government has extended to Zambia’s agriculture sector directly related to poverty reduction in 2008 alone.

He hoped that the grants will go along way towards the enhancing the quality of life for the people of Zambia as well as contributing to the country’s economic and social development.

ZANIS/YK/AM/ENDS

We’ll beat MMD, declares PF

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The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) in Serenje district has claimed that the October 30, 2008 presidential by-election will be the end of the MMD government because the later will be defeated.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, district party chairperson, Martin Chikate said he was confident that the PF would win the forthcoming by-election because chances were now higher than in the previous elections.

Mr. Chikate, who could however not completely rule out acting President Rupiah Banda, said if the MMD wins the presidential by-election, it could be by a small margin.

He said PF campaigns in the district have already started and were so far going on well.

“We are already in the field and working hard.  Things can go either way but the opposition stands a better chance,” he said.

Mr. Chikate has since urged PF cadres in the area to go flat out campaigning and leave no stone unturned.

He said he had no problem with the urban electorate because even in the last general election, PF presidential candidate did well.

Mr. Chikate said the only problem would be in the rural areas where the PF needed to worker hard to ensure victory.

And The Patriotic Front, PF, has extended an olive branch to its Members of parliament who are taking part in the National Constitutional Conference.

PF spokesperson, Given Lubinda, says the MPs are free to return to the party and be incorporated in the presidential campaign team.

The PF had differed with some of its members of parliament after they defied an order to shun the National Constitutional Conference.

The opposition party expelled the MPs for disobeying instructions.

However, the rebel MPs contested the action in court and were granted an injunction restraining their party from harassing them.

However Mr. Lubinda told journalists in Lusaka, Monday that the MPs are now free to return to the party.

He said the MPs should campaign for party President, Michael Sata, ahead of the Presidential by-election, scheduled for October 30th.

ZANIS/KC/CMM/KSH/ENDS.

NHCC guilty of not remitting K6.7 billion to NAPSA

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The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) has pleaded guilty to over 70 counts of failure to remit more than K6.7 billion monthly pension contributions and arrears for its employees to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

NHCC Headquarters and its South-West Region office have been charged with the offence which is contrary to section 15(1) and (2) as read with section 51(1d) and (2) of the National Pension Scheme Act number 40 of 1996 of the Laws of Zambia.

The matter came up before Livingstone Magistrate Edsen Shanduba and particulars of the offence were that between June 2000 and July 2008, the accused failed to pay the said contributions to NAPSA and had no lawful justification for its action.

Meanwhile, STADEL Insurance brokers of Livingstone have been charged with 41 counts of the offence of failing to pay monthly contributions and arrears amounting to K62.9 million.

STADEL owes NAPSA the said amount for the period December 2004 to April 2008 and gave no justifiable reason for failing to pay.

And NAPSA Head of Public Prosecutions, James Sinyangwe warned of stern action against public and private organizations that defaulted on their employees’ monthly pension contributions.

He said NAPSA was concerned about the increasing number of organizations that were not committed to protecting their workers’ benefits and showed no interest in the welfare of their staff.

Mr. Sinyangwe appealed to organizations which had difficulties in paying statutory contributions to liaise with NAPSA management in their respective areas to formulate the best ways of liquidating the arrears they owe.

ZANIS/AMM/KSH/ENDS

RB urges MMD to base campaigns on truth

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-Acting President, Rupiah Banda, has advised the MMD on the Copperbelt to base campaign for on truth in during the run up to the October 30, Presidential election.

Mr Banda said this when he arrived this morning at the Ndola International Airport on his way to Chililabombwe where he is expected among hundreds of Zambian soccer fans at this afternoon Zambia-Togo World Cup qualifier.

“We should not tell people lies, tell them the truth, projects that we have embarked on are their for them to see, lets campaign gently, humbly and persistently,” he advised.

ZANIS Sports staffer, Penlop Chansa, reports from Ndola that Mr Banda said the MMD has a huge task of ensuring it emerges victor of the election.

He advised the party to focus the energy at regaining support from the people of the Copperbelt province in line with late President Mwanawasa’s wish.

“Our late President (Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa) had always told me how much he wanted to win back the Copperbelt Province,” he said.

Mr Banda also wmphasised the need for members of the paty to sustain the unity in the MMD.

And speaking earlier, MMD Provincial Chairman, Joseph Chilambwe, said Mr Banda was the only capable leader to lead the nation until the 2011 elections.

The Acting President this  afternoon officiated at the Zambia vs Togo match  at Chililabombwe’s Konkola stadium.

Striker Felix Katongo’s thunderbolt kick in the 32 minute brightened Zambia’s chances of qualifying to the 2010 World Cup Africa will host in South Africa.

Felix, young brother to Zambia’s skipper Christopher, utilised the scoring opportunity with a thunderbolt kick out side the box into Togolese net to send the crowd including Acting President Rupiah Banda into ululation.

Felix’s goal puts the Chipolopolo boys back in the saddle of qualifying leading the group with seven points with group leaders Swaziland in second position with four points.

Playing without their skipper and England based stiker Emmanuel Adebuyor, the Hawks of Togo where a shadow of themselves when the allowed the Chipolopolos to enmjoy ball possession and goal attempts.

Zambia gave a message to the visitors through left wing striker Rainford Kalaba in the 17 th minute when he perfectly passed on his stylish and perfect kick to Felix who headed out side the box.

Kalaba’s perfect pass in the 19 th minute to king pin striker Collins Mbesuma failed to yeild results when he (Mbesuma) headed the lover the bar with a keeper to beat.

The match was televised on multi choice’s Super Sport channel 3 across the continent.

ZANIS/MM/ENDS

NCZ incapacitated

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Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) says it is unlikely to produce fertilizer for the forthcoming farming season because of the unavailability of the required raw materials.

NCZ Sales and Marketing Manager Munshya Tyetye says production of fertilizer has been made difficult because government has not yet released the K4 billion it had pledged to give NCZ to facilitate the production of fertilizer.

Mr. Tyetye said NCZ has not been able to produce fertilizer since November last year due to the lack of raw materials.

He further told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in an interview in Lusaka today that the plant also requires rehabilitation.

Mr. Tyetye said currently NCZ needs over K100 billion for the recapitalization of the plant.

Mr. Tyetye said the obtaining scenario is unfortunate because the plant is able to produce 140 metric tonnes of compound D and 80 metric tonnes of Top-dressing fertilizer annually when the plant is operating smoothly.

He also disclosed that middle and senior management at NCZ are owed five months salary arrears.

Mr. Tyetye however said unionized workers have been receiving their monthly salaries adding that no worker has been laid off despite the company facing operational challenges.

He said government is however looking at the possibilities of finding an equity partner for NCZ once the operational problems currently being faced at NCZ are resolved.

I’m still MMD – Nevers Mumba

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FORMER vice-president Nevers Mumba has praised the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) for adopting acting President Rupiah Banda as the candidate for the forthcoming presidential by-election.

Dr Mumba who lost to Mr. Banda during the party national executive committee (NEC) elections last week that Mr. Banda is a mature and level-headed leader.

“Many people have asked me if I will consequently quit or resign from the party. Let me be categorically clear that I have no such intention and I am fully resolved to remain a proud and loyal member of my party, the MMD,” he said.

Dr Mumba appealed to his fellow losers to cast aside their disappointments and support the candidature of Mr. Banda.

The preacher-cum-politician pledged to work in any capacity during the campaign for the by-election to ensure victory for Mr. Banda and the party.

“The current political environment demands mature and level-headed leadership that unites this country rather than divide it, and I believe Mr. Banda exemplifies such,” he said while congratulating Mr. Banda for the victory.

He said the NEC made the right decision in favor of stability and continuity during the challenging period the country is going through.

“Let history record this moment as our party’s finest hour, an hour when self surrendered to the higher good of the party and national unity, the season in which Zambia became one, strong and free.

“Let us lay aside our political differences and choose the right path for Zambia, the highway to peace, prosperity and stability,” he said.

He said he was convinced that Mr. Banda would lead the nation towards that goal and urged the citizenry to join in supporting the acting president.

Times of Zambia

Love & Church

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Dear LT bloggers,

I have been going out with a Jehovahs Witness for the past three years.Everything has been okey  till I started talking about marriage about a year ago. In the first instances she came up with all sorts of reasons that never made sense to me. After pushing her a little harder, she finally said her family would never allow her to marry a
non Jehovahs Witness. I help her and the family quite a lot.

Right now am trying to move on with life but she can’t let go. I have refused to become a Jehovahs Witness. She can’t commit to me and yet she wants to keep enjoying my fruits.

Does she love me or does she just want to use me?

Yours

Nasokonezeka

Zambia still stable – Rupiah

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Government has assured Zambians, investors and the international community that the country has remained peaceful, secure and stable despite the demise of President Levy Mwanawasa last month.

Acting President, Rupiah Banda said Tuesday evening that Zambians were orderly and peaceful people saying the country remained stable and secure for business and political activities.

Mr. Banda said this in his state of the nation address on ZNBC radio and television broadcast after the funeral of late President Levy Mwanawasa.

“I realize that the passing on of our republican President could have created uncertainty, fears, and anxieties in the political, economic and social circles.

” In this vein, I assure the people of Zambia, investors and the international community at large that Zambia remains peaceful, secure and stable,” he said.

He said the manner in which Zambians mourned their late President was a demonstration of the respect that they and government have for the departed late President.

He said the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s desire was to leave a legacy of the rule of law, self sufficient in food production, increased employment, economic empowerment and stability of the nation.

Mr. Banda said the late Dr. Mwanawasa provided leadership in transparency, accountability, zero tolerance for corruption, and prudent use of resources.

“To honour our late President, we need to follow the ideals and principles he stood for,” he appealed.

The Acting President said government would continue with the same economic policies pursued by the late President, adding that all contractual obligations entered into between the Zambian government and second or third parties would remain enforceable.

He said the rule of law would continue to be the pillar of the country’s governance system while peace and stability which the country has enjoyed for many years would be maintained.

“I therefore urge everyone to conduct their business activities normally with confidence and trust,” he said.

He added that human rights would remain critical in the country’s efforts to consolidate good governance and enhancement of the freedoms and rights of citizens.

On the media, Mr. Banda said government would continue providing a conducive policy, legal and institutional framework for the development of a free media.

“Government will therefore continue with the policy of liberalization of the media industry for continued private sector participation.

” In this respect, the review of media laws will continue until we find an appropriate media legislation that will further promote freedom of expression,” he said.

The acting President added that the ongoing constitution making process would be continued to its logical conclusion.

ZANIS/KSH./ENDS/MM

Togo Arrive For Big Match Date

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Togo arrived in Zambia 24 hours ahead of Wednesday’s crucial 2010 World/Africa Cup Group 11 qualifier against Zambia minus star striker Emmanuel Adebayor in tow.

Coach dismissed reports that Adebayor from English Premier League side Arsenal had  pulled out of the team at the last minute as the team prepared to leave for Zambia on Monday.

“It is not true that Adebayor will not be joining the team,” Camelio Akoussah said on Tuesday in Ndola upon arrival. ” He(Adebayor) will be coming this evening on a special fight.

“He did not come with us because he had some personal commitments.”

Meanwhile, there were a lot of disappointed faces at Ndola international airport as airport personnel and passengers gathered outside the international arrivals hall to catch a glimpse of the no-show Arsenal star.

Togo landed in Ndola at 16:45 on a Togolese presidential BAC 1-11 Jet  after a four-hour delay in their arrival.

Zambia and Togo face-off at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe on Wednesday in a 14:00 kickoff.

Victory for 2nd placed Zambia over 3rd from top Togo would end the latter’s interest in the qualifiers for the 2010 World and Africa Cup finals to be hosed by South Africa and Angola respectively.

Zambia are on 4 points level with leaders Swaziland on the same number of points from three games while Togo is 3rd and  bottom on 3 points from two fixtures with a match in hand.

The group winner will qualify to the Angola finals and also advance to the final World Cup Africa zone qualifying pool stage.

Electricity master plan to come – Konga

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Government says the full implementation of the Rural Electrification master plan will commence next year and will require US$50 million.

Energy Minister Kenneth Konga said government is currently working with all stakeholders in the energy including cooperating partners to ensure the project is financed accordingly.

Mr. Konga said this during the aural question and answer session during parliamentary sittings which resumed today after it was adjourned indefinitely following the death of the late President Mwanawasa.

He said the government will implement the rural electrification master plan from 2008 to 2030 as envisaged and enshrined in the vision 2030 document.

He however said that government is currently experiencing challenges in raising funds for the project.

Mr. Konga added that government will provide most of the funding for the rural electrification project while cooperating partners will provide the shortfall.

And the energy minister has said government is also currently encouraging the use of other forms of energy to prevent deforestation.

Mr. Konga said among the alternative forms of energy being encouraged in rural areas that are distant from the national electricity grid are solar, biomass and wind energy among others in order to mitigate deforestation.

The energy minister has also disclosed that government has also embarked on feasibility studies to establish more hydro electric power stations for power generation.

Meanwhile parliament observed a minute of silence in honour of the late President Mwanawasa who died at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France where he was evacuated after suffering a stroke in Egypt where he had gone to attend the African Union (AU) Summit.

And speaker of the national assembly Amusa Mwanamwambwa urged the members of parliament to conduct business in the house solemnly in honour of President Mwanawasa.

Meanwhile Representative of Government Business in Parliament George Mpombo read the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s eulogy to the house after the aural and answers question session.

ZANIS/CM/ENDS/MM

Rupiah pays tribute to Zambians

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Acting President Rupiah Banda has paid glowing tribute to the Zambian people for their peacefulness and unity they exhibited during the funeral of late President Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr. Banda said Zambians accorded the late Dr. Mwanawasa a funeral and burial befitting a king.

He said the citizens demonstrated to the whole world their unity of purpose.

“Special tribute goes to the defence and security wings for a perfect execution of a programme of mourning that was incident free except for the enormous outpouring of emotion by all,” he said.

Mr. Banda said this in his address to the nation on the state of the nation on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television and radio Tuesday evening to mark the end of the 21 day national mourning for the late Republican President.

He further thanked Egypt and France governments respectively for their support during the illness of the late President.

“Let me thank the government and people of Egypt for the exceptional support rendered at the time our President fell ill. The people of Zambia and their government are grateful to President Mubarak and the Egyptian people,” he said.

He further extended his appreciation to the people and government of France for the support during the illness and subsequent death of Dr. Mwanawasa.

“The people of Zambia are grateful to President Sarkozy for paying the medical bills and providing transport and other logistics of honour such as transporting the body of our late President to Zambia,” he said.

The acting President also thanked the Chinese government for dressing the burial site and providing an exceptional casket for the late Dr. Mwanawasa.

He also paid tribute to the international community, the local church leaders and their congregations for their spiritual, financial and material support during the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s funeral.

He said local church leaders did not only send messages of goodwill but also to God, an act he said that unified the country during the illness, death, national mourning and eventual burial of the late President.

“We are a peaceful country because we pray and believe in God,” he said, adding, “I ask our religious leaders to continue leading the country in prayer and faith because God has blessed our nation.”

Mr. Banda observed that the media played an important role in keeping the nation informed of during the state funeral.

“The various media organizations faithfully continued to conduct very well meaning programmes during the period of national mourning and allowed citizens to express themselves in a manner that was respectful and dignified,” he said.

Dr. Mwanawasa died at Percy Military hospital in France on August 19th, 2008 following a stroke he suffered on June 29th, 2008 while attending an African Union heads of state and government summit in Egypt.

The late President was buried on September 3rd, 2008 at Embassy Park in Lusaka after his body was taken to all provincial centers to accord thousands of Zambians chance to pay their last respects.

ZANIS/KSH/ENDS/MM.

Govt to continue late Levy’s vision

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Acting President Rupiah Banda has reiterated government’s commitment to continue with the late President Mwanawasa’s vision of national development, planning and economic management.

Mr. Banda said the late President’s administration reintroduced national development planning which has refocused on economic management.

He said this has so far led to the country recording tremendous economic progress.

Mr. Banda was speaking speaking during his national address on the state of the nation Tuesday evening on Zambia national Broadcasting Services radio and television after the death of Dr. Mwanawasa.

This was the first national address by an Acting President in the history of Zambia since attaining independence in 1964.

On the economy, Mr Banda said government would continue with the prudent fiscal and monetary policies for macro economic stability which have made the economy to register growth rates averaging five per cent and six per cent in the last two years.

“Low inflation has also been recorded with single digit levels attained for the first time in 30 years in 2006,” he said.

Mr. Banda added that government would continue to increase exports, which, together with the debt relief, have led to a substantial build up of foreign currency reserves which now stand at US$1.4 billion.

“This position has also contributed to a stable exchange rate thereby enhancing business and economic planning,” he said.

He said Zambia’s economic strides have been appreciated in the international financial circles to an extent that the country was now poised to have a sovereign credit rating for the first time ever.

On agriculture, Mr. Banda said government would continue to maintain adequate strategic food reserves to ensure national food security.

He noted that government has already increased supplementary funding to the fertilizer support programme (FSP) amounting to K 307 billion from the budgeted K 185 billion 2008.

He explained that this would allow for an increase in the number of targeted small scale farmers from 125,000 to 200,000, with an applicable subsidy increased to 75 per cent from 60 per cent.

“This measure is intended to cushion the impact of high fertilizer prices on targeted small scale farmers,” he said.

Mr. Banda further said government would continue development irrigation in the country while farming blocks for commercial agriculture would continue to be opened up.

On the mining sector, Mr. Banda said government would carry on with the same pace of developing the sector because it still remained to be the driver of the Zambian economy.

“I want, in this regard to assure both local and foreign investors that there will be no departure from the current policies and focus in the mining sector,” he said.

He said the mining companies have also reiterated commitment to continue their operations in Zambia.

Meanwhile, Mr. Banda has directed the Ministries of Finance and National Planning and that of Energy and Water Development to sit together and examine the possibilities of reducing the prices of fuel in Zambia.

He said oil prices on the international market were reducing hence the need to consider doing so at national level.

On Commerce and Trade, Mr. Banda said government would continue with all economic programmes that the late Dr. Mwanawasa’s administration had set.

He said tourism and public service management would continue being pursued as before.

“Following the tenet of collective responsibility, we shall continue to pursue all the policies and development programmes initiated by our late President,” he said.

He said Zambia’s development agenda would continue to be guided by the fifth National Development Plan within the context of the vision to become a prosperous middle income country by the year 2030.

“Let us all in unity and fortitude preserve the peace and stability that our country has continued to enjoy since independence. Let us together make our country a prosperous nation,” he said.

ZANIS /KSH /ENDS/MM

Presidential by-Elections set for October 30

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Acting President Rupiah Banda says the long awaited presidential by-elections would be held on Thursday, 30th October 2008.

Mr. Banda said government started preparing for the holding of the presidential by-elections immediately Dr. Mwanawasa died to meet the constitutional requirement.

Zambia’s seat of republican presidency fell vacant after the death of President Levy Mwanawasa on August 19th, 2008.

According to Article 38, section one (1) and section 20 of the Electoral Act No. 12 of 2006, presidential elections should be held within 90 days of the death of a sitting president.

“Therefore, I have the honour to announce that the programme of conducting presidential by-election has been finally established. The presidential by-elections shall therefore be held on Thursday, 30th October 2008,” he said.

He said the Electoral Commission has already commenced preparations to hold elections.

He said the forthcoming elections would require substantial financial resources.

“In this regard, government welcomes financial assistance from cooperating partners and well wishers,” he said.

Mr. Banda has since appealed to Zambians to remain calm, peaceful and united during the pre-election period and urged political parties to conduct issue based campaigns in a clean and dignified manner.

At least three political parties have indicated participation in the forthcoming presidential by-elections.

These are the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and two opposition parties, United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Patriotic Front (PF).

The MMD has elected the Acting President, Mr. Banda as the presidential candidate while the UPND has fielded its leader, Hakainde Hichilema and the PF has chosen its president, Michael Sata for the presidential by-election.

Opposition United Liberal Party (ULP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) will not take part in the elections but would instead support the ruling MMD.

ZANIS/KSH/ENDS/MM

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