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Let there be more participation in the economy-Magande

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Government has said there was need for more business people and individuals to participate in the country’s economy by investing in various sectors of development.

Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Ng’andu Magande, said there should be an increased participation in the country’s economy to enable it to expand more.

Mr. Magande said this at a meeting organized by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZMA) in Lusaka today.

He said diversification of various sectors in the economy could also enhance investment as the country continues to enjoy economic growth.

And Mr. Magande has called on manufacturers to ensure that the reduction in fuel prices, which was recently announced, trickled down to the consumers.

Mr. Magande also urged consumers to ensure that they demanded for better prices from traders in order for them to benefit from the reduction of prices.

He noted that lack of active participation in ensuring that prices were reduced by stakeholders such as manufacturers and consumers were some of the challenges government was facing in managing the economy of the country.

Mr. Magande said government has also continued to face other challenges such as the unsteady fuel prices on the global market.

And speaking earlier, Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZMA) president, Dave Baba, said members of the association have also been challenged with rising production costs as a result of rising fuel prices and load shedding by Zesco.

Mr. Baba said the association was however ready to partner with government and other investors in other sectors to enhance production of goods in order to prevent loss of revenue.

He said partnering with other stakeholders could also result in cushioning the challenges faced by the members of association, adding that it could also increase the country’s revenue.

ZANIS/CM/KSH/ENDS

Miyanda makes ‘surprise’ entry in October 30 Presidential Polls

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Opposition Heritage Party President Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda has made a surprise entry
in the October 30 Presidential By- elections.

Disclosing the development to ZANIS Thursday evening, HP spokesperson Chris Akufuna said General Miyanda, who was second republican President Frederick Chiluba’s first Vice President, would put  in his nomination Friday with the Supreme Court Judge Justice Enerst Sakala at 14: 00 hours.

Mr Akufuna said the HP president would be expected to go through all the nomination procedure before the Supreme court.

The H.P president becomes the fourth presidential by-elections candidate who will file in his nominations with the first being Patriotic Front leader Micheal Sata and United Party for National Development Hakainde Hichilema.

The duo launched their nominations Monday and Wednesday, respectively.The ruling MMD candidate and Acting President Rupiah Banda is scheduled to launch in his nominations Friday.

The By-Elections follows incumbent President Levy Mwanawasa’s untimely death due to a stroke at Percy Millitary Hospital, Paris France on August 19, 2008.
ZANIS/MM/ENDS

Minimum Wage Act under review

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The labour law reform Committee has started to review the current minimum wage act.

Committee member, Harrison Chibanda says efforts are being made to revise the current 268,000 kwacha minimum wage act of 2006.

Mr. Chibanda told journalists during a media breakfast that the constitution provides that the labour act can be revised after two years.

He said several other laws are also under review by the committee.

Mr. Chibanda said the country needs to have labour laws which will be conducive for both the employees and employers.
[ZNBC]

Court to decide on Bulaya’s fate

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Judgement in the appeal case involving former Health Permanent Secretraty, Kashiwa Bulaya, has been set for September 30.

Dr. Bulaya had appealed to the High Court against his conviction by a Lusaka Magistrate court.

Bulaya 54, was last year sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour on three counts of abuse of office and corrupt practices.

The sentence was metted out by then Principal Resident Magistrate, Edward Musona.

In his grounds of appeal, Dr Bulaya submitted that the trial Magistrate erred in law when he held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond doubt.

He said the findings did not satisfy the requirement of the law in view of the appellant’s insistence on his constitutional rights to a fair hearing.

He said the magistrate erred when he held that there were some buildings and motor vehicles that could have been purchased using public funds without laying foundation or producing any supporting direct link.

Dr. Bulaya also argued that the Magistrate erred when he held that he and his business partners where directors in the companies, BUTICO A1 and ANBUL Investment when they supplied drugs to the ministry of Health.

He further submitted that the Magistrate erred in his finding when he held that at the time of supply of Elixir 9, a herbal product on HIV/ AIDS, the drugs were not tested.

[ZNBC]

Thursday Zambian Football Briefs

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Tunisian based striker Fwayo Tembo from Etoile de Sahel has joined the Zambia Under-20 in Alexandria, Egypt.

The coaching staff are now expecting striker Emmanuel Mayuka who is currently on trial at Israel club Maccabi Haifa and including midfielder Justin Zulu from Israeli division 2 side  Hapoel Beersheba.

The duo are reportedly expected to join the team on Friday

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Afrisports and former Zambia Under-23 striker Christopher Musonda is in Israel on a 2-week trial spell with current league leaders Maccabi Netanya.

Musonda who is currently on loan from the Faz division 1 north club to Power Dynamos until the end of the season left for Israel this past Saturday.

Afrisports chief executive officer Gabriel Kaunda said his player would be at Netanya until October 6 and added that the striker had already played one training game with the club on Wednesday in which he played for 45 minutes.

Musonda was a regular with the Under-23 team under former coach Peter Kaumba starting from 2005 during the 2008 Olympic Games qualifiers and 2007 All-Africa Games campaign scoring 4 goals in over a dozen matches.

He is the second Zambian player to recently attend trials in Israel after Kabwe Warriors and Zambia striker Emmanuel Mayuka who this week completed a 1-week tryout with Maccabi Haifa this past Tuesday.

Warriors however have yet to disclose the outcome of Mayuka’s brief trials in Israel.

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Fifa has appointed referee Wellington Kaoma together with three other officials to handle the Nigeria versus Serria Leone last 2010 World/Africa Cup group 4 qualifying match to be played in Abuja on October 11.

The Lusaka-based referee will be assisted  Lovemore Jere and Andrew Chungu while Cornelius Mwanza will be the 4th official.

Nigeria, who have already qualified to the final 2010 World Cup group qualifying round, lead Group 4 on runaway 15 points from 5 games while Serria Leone are 2nd on 7 points after playing the same number of pool matches as their hosts the Super Eagles.

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Midweek Scorecard

Faz Division 1

24/09/2008

South

Week 28

Choma Eagles 3- Young Buffaloes 1

Nampundwe 0- Nakambala Leopards 3

Young Green Eagles 3- Lusaka City Council 0

Lusaka Tigers 1- Chilanga Heroes 1

Zamcoal Diggers 0 Profund Warriors 0

National Assembly 3- Kambuku 0

Petauke United 2- Riflemen 1

Livingstone Pirates  0- Kalomo Jetters 1

Mazabuka United- Lusaka Celtic (Pending)

North

Week 16

Afrisports 0- Lime Hotspurs 1

Be on alert over contaminated Chinese milk

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The Zambia Consumer Association has reminded health inspectors in the Ministry of Health to be on high alert over the contaminated liquid Milk from China tainted with melamine.

Executive Secretary Muyumnda Illilonga said if  all the Milk products have already entered the Country and were on the market, it must be removed immediately to avoid loss of lives especially among infants.

In an interview with ZANIS in kitwe today, Mr  Ililonga advised that since this was a scandal, the government should institute strict measures to ensure that all imported milk products from Asia were tested.

Mr Illilonga  added that many Zambians were extremely worried over the scandal as many Chinese products have flooded Zambian markets.

In another development, Mr Illilonga said Zambians should not celebrate over the reduction of fuels by the energy regulation board (ERB).

He said although the Association has welcomed the decision to reduce the pump prices of fuel, the margin that has been effected was very narrow to warrant any meaningful relief on the consumer.

Mr Illilonga said even with this reduction, the price of fuel in Zambia was the highest in the sub-region.

He wondered why the pump price of petrol per 1 litre could cost more than K6,000 per litre as compared to Botswana or Zimbabwe.

He explained that the price of fuel affects the prices of other goods and services and with this development, even the prices of mealie meal has reached alarming rates which was not affordable to poor Zambians.

ENDS/PK/PK/ZANIS.

Rupiah Banda Refutes K15 million claims

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Acting President Rupiah Banda today refuted claims by opposition National Revolution Party (NRP) former Secretary General James Lukuku that the party received K15 million from him to endorse his candidature.

Speaking to Journalists shortly after his visit to the ACC, Mr. Banda said it is not possible for anybody to buy leadership in Zambia.

Mr Banda paid a surprise visit at the offices of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) in Lusaka.

Mr. Banda who is the MMD candidate for the 30th October Presidential by-election, praised the ACC for its tenacity in fighting corruption and assured the officers serving under the organization that their jobs would be safe under his leadership.

Speaking when he addressed management and staff of the Commission, Mr. Banda said Zambia should completely get rid of corruption in order to attract more investors.

He said investors would want to invest in a country where they know their investment is safe.

Earlier, ACC Chairperson, Justice Valentine Chileshe assured the Acting President that the commission will work harder to reduce corrupt practices in the country.

Justice Chileshe said so far Zambia had improved its ranking from 9th to 17th position on the radder of corruption in the world, adding that the Commission was determined to reduce the levels of corruption further.

ENDS/CBM/PK/ZANIS/LUSAKA

Another Chief tells his subjects to vote for Banda

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CHIEF Mungaila of the Ila people in Maala area has promised to support Acting President Rupiah Banda in the forth-coming by-election.

Speaking when Tourism Minster Michael Kaingu paid a courtesy call on him yesterday, Chief Mungaila said he would personally campaign for Mr. Banda to ensure that he wins the presidential by-election set for 30th October this year.

His Royal Highness paid tribute to the ruling party for rehabilitating the Maala – Namusonde Road, the construction of a number of schools and clinics in his area. He urged his subjects to rally behind the MMD.

Chief Mungaila said the MMD Government has done a lot for this country and that the only way of showing appreciation to the party was through rallying behind the Acting President Rupiah Banda.

“This will be a no go area for any party but for MMD and I want to urge my subjects to vote for MMD as the party has done great wonders for our country than any other political party,” said Chief Mungaila.

Chief Mungaila said it would make economic sense FOR Acting President Rupiah Banda to rule until the MMD’S mandate ends in 2011.

At the same meeting, Chief Mungaila invited Mr Kaingu to be the guest of honour during this year’s Shimunenga ceremony scheduled for 18 to 19 th October this year.

On his part Tourism Minster thanked the Chief for supporting the ruling party and promised to attend the annual event.The Minister who was on a tour of the District also pledged two buffaloes toward feeding of people who would attend the event.

ENDS/FM/PK/ZANIS.

Maize prices rise in Mungwi

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The price of maize has shot-up by 30 percent in Mungwi District of the Northern Province.

This is according to a survey conducted by the National Agricultural Information Services (NAIS) at Mungwi open market this morning.

The survey indicates that a 5 Kilogram bag of maize is now fetching K5,000 from the previous K3,500.

Random interviews with traders at Mungwi market indicate that the price increase has been attributed to increases from the source.

A trader, Miss Bernadette Mutale says a 5 kilogramme tin of maize popularly called ‘meda’ is selling at K5,000 while millet is pegged at K4 500 and cassava chips are going at K2 500 per meda.

Miss Mutale says middlemen are selling a 5 kilogramme tin of maize at K4 000

She says the price of maize is dictated by the availability of the commodity at the market and depending on supply and demand, the price may once again go up.

And a senior Government official has challenged the Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Committee in Mungwi District of Northern Province to map-out strategies on how best citizens in the area can be helped to access the empowerment funds.

Mungwi District Commissioner Fanwell Bwembya made the challenge when he met members of the citizens’ economic empowerment committee in his office today.

Mr. Bwembya was quick to point out that the district has not received any application from the target beneficiaries since the funds were set-up in the province this year.

He said however that there was a public outcry that the conditions set for the empowerment are too rigid and most people feel that they would be left out.

Mr. Bwembya says there is need for the citizens’ empowerment committee in the district to work-out strategies which should aim at helping the marginalized members of the society to benefit from the fund.

DC Bewmbya says the citizen’s economic empowerment committee is charged with the responsibility of creating synergies with the citizens’ economic empowerment commission (CEEC) by ensuring that funds were disbursed to beneficiaries.

He said other roles include creating awareness to the general public on the funds and making sure that linkages between existing government structures and CEEC programme were re-enforced.

ENDS/S/PK/ZANIS.

Suspected landmine exploreds, injures three in Katete

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Three people were yesterday injured after a suspected landmine they were trying to open, exploded near Soweto market in Katete.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Mary Chikwanda, confirmed the incident which happened around 13 hours but could not disclose their names of the victims who are admitted at Saint Francis’ hospital in Katete.

Mr. Chikwanda said the landmine which is believed to have been gotten from the neighbouring Mozambique exploded, resulting in two of the victims having their limbs cut while one had his stomach ripped, exposing his intestines.

One eye witness who refused to disclose his name told ZANIS at the scene of the accident that the men wanted to extract some red mercury from the explosive device which was believed to have an attractive market.

A ZANIS staffer found people cleaning some blood on a corridor of a nearby building where the victims were laid after the accident, while some pieces of flesh and broken bones were also seen lying around.

Some parts of Katete district, especially around the border area with Mozambique are reported to be infested with landmines planted during the liberation war in the 1980s.

Zambia and Mozambique are currently de-mining the explosive gadgets planted along the border with Mozambique during that country’s liberation war.

ENDS/SM/PK/ZANIS.

Zambia, Japan sign K15 billion financial agreement

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The Zambian government has signed a K15 billion financial agreement with the Japanese government for the ground water development project in Luapula province.

The project would be undertaken in three phases covering a period of two years and would be conducted in all the seven districts of Luapula.

It will be funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Joel Ngo and Director for the Department of Housing and Infrastructure, Peter Lubambo signed on behalf of the Zambian government in Tokyo, Japan last evening.

This is according to a statement released to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today by the Zambian Embassy in Japan.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Godfrey Simasiku and the acting Head of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Etambuyu Siwale.

Mr. Ngo hailed the Japanese government for the continued friendship and support in various sectors of the Zambian economy.

He said his ministry would work and support the project contractors, Nissaku and the consultant, Japan Techno to ensure that it was successfully completed.

Mr. Ngo expressed hope that improved and safe water supply would help reduce waterborne diseases such as river blindness among others in Luapula province.

The signing agreement follows successful negotiations that started in July this year.

Luapula province joins other provinces such as Western in benefiting from similar programmes.

In mid October this year, the contractor is expected to move on site and start drilling and equipping 200 boreholes.

The project will also include the establishment of operations and maintenance of systems in all the seven districts.

The seven districts of Luapula province are Mansa, Nchelenge, Samfya, Kawambwa, Mwense, Chiengi, and Milenge.

ZANIS/YK/KSH/ENDS.

Muliokela joins Presidential By- elections race

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Poor People’s people party leader Alex Muliokela has joined in the Presidential By Elections slated for October 30th, 2008.

In a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka Tuesday evening, Mr Muliokela said he will be grateful to the ECZ would give him
chance to file in his nomination as he will be able to raise the required K 20 million nomination by September 26, 2008.

He added that his party has in fact launched a vigorous fund raising exercise saying each of his party members were willing to donate K 1000 each.

The opposition leader disclosed his assets saying he has a current cash amounting to K 1,862 billion in stocks,K 300 million in fixed assets and hard cash amounting to K 2, 162 billion.

The ruling MMD party has fielded long standing politician and economist Rupiah Banda, while Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) have fielded their respective party leaders Micheal Sata and Hakainde Hichilema for the elections.

This followed the untimely death of incumbent republican president Dr Mwanawasa on August 19, 2008 at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France due to a stroke.
ZANIS/MM/ENDS

CB MMD Youths want Maureen incorporated

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MMD Copperbelt youths say they are consulting with the first family on the possibilities of having former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa to be incorporated in the Rupiah Banda campaign team.

MMD Provincial Youth Chairman Richard Mofya told ZANIS Ndola in an interview Tuesday that the MMD youths in the province had resolved to consult the first family on having Mrs Mwanawasa incorporated into the Acting President Banda team to on the Copperbelt be launched in Kitwe next week.

“We are consulting with the first family, we want to incorporate the first lady Mrs Mwanawasa in our campaign team, in fact we would like her to come for the launch in Kitwe next week,” he said.

Mr Mofya said the youths wanted Mrs Mwanawasa to give them guidance, as she was a person with a genuine compassion for them and that she carried a vision for them.

He said since the opposition political parties were campaigning on lines that they would continue from where Dr Mwanawasa had left from it was important for the MMD to incorporate her in their campaign teams as one of the campaign directors.

Mr Mofya said Mrs Mwanawasa was the closest person to the President and as such she knew very well his vision for the country.

Mrs Mwanawasa is a founder of the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative, an initiative aimed at alleviating the suffering and poverty levels amongst the vulnerable people in various communities’ countrywide.

ZANIS/PC/ENDS/MM

Zambia Under-20 Depart For Egypt

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The Zambia Under-20 national team departed for Egypt today ahead of
this Sundays Rwanda 2009 Africa Youth Cup 2nd round, 1st leg
qualifying match against Egypt Under-20 to be played in Alexandria.

Zambia national team coach Herve Renard and assistant trainer Patrice
Beaumelle were both in the traveling party together with Under-20 head
coach Oswald Mutapa jnr.

Renard said he was expecting a tough game considering Egypt’s pedigree
at junior level on the continent over the years.

“We know the challenge ahead of us is big and our aim is to get a good
result in Egypt although the game will be tough,” The Frenchman said
at Lusaka International Airport prior to departure on Wednesday.

“When you are playing a good team you should always be focused and you
should not be intimidated.

Egypt, who Zambia will be facing fourth time in an Africa Youth Cup
qualifier in a space of 9 years, have been African junior champions 3
times and runners-up twice.

“Their (Egypt) senior national team has been the best in Africa for
the past four years,” Renard said.

“So this tells you that their junior teams are also good but we are
ready for any challenge and our focus will be on the Sunday game.”

Meanwhile, 15 players traveled today with another 3 expected to join
the team in Egypt on Thursday.

They include Kabwe Warriors striker Emmanuel Mayuka who is currently
attending trails in Israel and midfielder Justin Zulu who plays for
Israeli 2nd division side Hapoel Beersheba.

Striker Fwayo Tembo of Tunisian top club Etoile de Sahel is also due
to join the team tomorrow.

Zambia Under-20 team:

Goalkeepers: William Chibale (Lusaka Dynamos), Kelvin Musonda (Zanaco)

Defenders: Michael Katongo (Kabwe Warriors), Derrick Mwansa (Nkwazi),
Moses Mulambi (Nchanga Rangers), Gift Sakuwaha (Chambishi), Morgan
Kaoma (City of Lusaka), Luka Tembo (Zanaco).

Midfielders: Henry Banda (Zanaco) Musonda Munaile (Young Zanaco),
Evans Musonda (City of Lusaka), Alex Mwiche(Forest Rangers), Daniel
Kasongo (Power Dynamos), Stophira Sunzu (Chateauroux, France), Justin
Zulu (Hapoel Beersheba, Israel).

Strikers: Roger Kola (Zanaco), Fwayo Tembo (Etoile de Sahel, Tunisia),
Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors)

SCORECARD

2008 BP Top 8 Quaterfinals

20/09/08

Trade Fair Grounds, Ndola

Kabwe Warriors 1(Maonga Kabuku 31″)- Young Arrows 2 (Chomba Ngandwe
47″, Chiwanki Liyianga 81″)

Zesco 1(Lottie Phiri 70″)- Power Dynamos 0

Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka

Lusaka Dynamos 1(Lameck Banda 10″)- Konkola Blades 0

Zanaco 1 (Henry Banda 16″)- Green Buffaloes 0

Semifinals

11/10/2008

Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka

Lusaka Dynamos- zanaco

Nchanga Stadium, Chingola

Zesco United- Young Arrows

Faz Division 1

21/09/2008

North

Mining Rangers 2 Mufulira Wanderers 5

Prison Leopards 0 Forest Rangers 0

Zamtel 2 Lime Hotspurs 1

Medical Stars 0 Afrisport 3

Mufulira Blackpool 0 Chindwin 1

Ndola United 0 Tazara Express 0

Muchindu 1 Kalewa 0

Indeni 0 Kitwe United 0

South

Lusaka Celtic 0 Nakambala Leopards 0

Mazabuka 1 Young Buffaloes 0

Riflemen 1 Nampundwe 1

Builders 1 Assembly 1

Profund Warriors 2 Petauke United 1

Kambuku 0 Young Eagles 0

Chilanga Heroes 0 Zamcoal diggers 0

Livingstone Pirates 1 Lusaka Tigers 0

Lusaka City Council 1 Kalomo Jetters 0

Chief directs his subjects to vote for Banda

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Chief Mulundu of the Chishinga people in Mwense District has pledged his support to MMD’s presidential candidate in the forth coming October 30 presidential by-election.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, Chief Mulundu said that he had endorsed Rupiah Banda in the October 30, 2008 presidential by-election for the purpose of continued economic development in the nation.

Chief Mulundu said he had chosen to support Acting President Banda because he was chosen by the Late Republican President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa to be his deputy, the second highest office in the nation.

He said that for the purpose of continuity he had directed his subjects to support Mr Banda because he was capable and had leadership qualities that would improve the lives of the people of Zambia.

And  Voters Cards replacement exercise has commenced in most parts of the district in Mungwi.

A check by ZANIS at most polling stations in the district over the weekend found most polling stations open and the election staff were ready to attend to people coming for the replacement of the lost cards.

The voters card replacement exercise has however started on a low note as most people across the district are not still aware about the exercise.

About 74 polling stations have so far started the process of issuing the lost cards to the electorate.

29 polling stations have however, not yet commenced the issuance of the lost voters cards at the materials are just being delivered to the areas.

As at yesterday, only one person was attended to at Kalala middle basic school in chief Makasa’s area.

At Makasa Basic and Itinti Schools 3 people visited the station for voter’s card replacement by noon yesterday.

In a related development, Zambia News Information Services (ZANIS) in the district has started conducting publicity in various parts of district in a bid to inform and educate the masses on the forthcoming presidential by-election through public address system and videos Shows.

So far, 6 areas have been visited during publicity which commenced on Friday last week.

The move has cheered the people of Makasa especially who said for long time ZANIS has  not been able to carry-out video shows in the remote areas in the district to educate the people on various important such as educating the people about their voting rights.

Solomon Machumba, a resident of Makasa has applauded ZANIS for the initiative.

Machumba appealed to ZANIS has challenged ZANIS to continue offering such programmes to the members of the public and not only when there were elections.
And in Choma, A facilitator at the on-going District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) trainers workshop in Choma has urged voter education facilitators to exercise neutrality and transparency during the electoral process ahead of the presidential by-election scheduled for October 30.

Speaking during her facilitation, National Voter Education Committee (NVEC) facilitator Doreen Ndlobvu appealed to facilitators to be non-partisan, neutral and transparent during the voter education exercise for the electorate to make independent decisions.

Ms Ndlobvu pointed out that voter education facilitators should be mindful of their roles in the electoral process.

She said  facilitators should merely facilitate and let the voters to elect a President of their own choice.

Speaking during the same occasion, Mazabuka District Voter Education Committee Chairperson Chombenga Munsaka,requested Government to consider extending the on-going voter ‘s card replacement exercise, to enable more people to exercise their democratic right of casting their vote.

He said the time allocated to the voter’s card replacement exercise was too short to capture many eligible voters.

In reference to the exercise that started last Sunday, Mr. Chombenga said few people are likely to replace their lost voters’ cards.

“The replacement of voters cards should be a continuous process even when there are no elections in the offing. This is to allow more people to have cards and be able to vote in an election time,” he said.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia is conducting a voter education exercise for election facilitators in Southern Province for facilitators in readiness for the forth coming presidential elections.

ENDS/CB/PK/ZANIS.

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