4 May 2011
President Rupiah Banda has said Zambia is assured of peaceful and transparent elections this year because of the strong governance and constitutional bodies in place.
And the president has said Zambia is a special country because it attaches importance to the human rights of its citizens and that the establishment of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) is an indication of the Government’s commitment to upholding citizens’ rights.
Mr Banda was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when he swore in Phillip Musonda as a Supreme Court judge, Christah Kalulu as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and Raphael Chisheta as Zambia’s ambassador to Angola.
During the same ceremony, the president swore in commissioners for HRC, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Commission for Investigations.
“I would like to say a general word to the people sworn-in today. It is a great honour for me to swear you in, in various capacities. You are very important people for the unity and peace of this country.
“Today’s function is important for the stability of the country. Our country is assured of peace and stability. In a year like 2011, we are assured the country will have transparent elections because of these institutions and eminent personalities,” he said.
The president said Zambia was assured of transparent and acceptable elections this year because of the governance and constitutional institutions in the country.
On swearing in Justice Musonda as a Supreme Court judge, President Banda thanked him for his contribution to the country’s Judiciary.
Mr Banda said Ms Kalulu had proved herself in her previous capacity as Lusaka district commissioner.
He was confident that she would run the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, especially that the ministry had a major role to play in ensuring free and fair elections.
On the appointment of Mwangala Yeta, Austin Chisenga, Arnold Kapelembi, Venassie Mibenge and Isabel Simukonda as HRC commissioners, President Banda said Zambia was special because it attached importance to the human rights of its citizens.
He said once the rights of the people were not taken care of, it led to frustration and caused unrest like what was happening in some parts of the world and particularly in North Africa.
He said the establishment of HRC was an indication of the importance the Government attached to the human rights of Zambians.
On swearing in Panzi Sinyangwe and Anthony Mundibi as ACC commissioners, President Banda said the institution was important.
He said the Commission for Investigations was also an important institution as it was the pillar for peace and security of the country.
The president swore in Kwanga Kaweza and Davis Mwanza as commissioners at the Commission for Investigations.
AllAfrica – All the Time
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‘Country Will Have Free Polls’