Parley nods ECZ Commissioner, Vice -Chairperson

…ZNBC directors

PARLIAMENT has unanimously approved the Presidential appointment of Ali Derrick Simwinga as Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) with Annette Chirumba Nhekairoto as Vice-Chairperson.

This follows the scrutiny of the Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointments of Mr. Simwinga and Ms Nhekairoto to serve as Commissioner and Vice-Chairperson of the ECZ respectively and the Ministerial appointments of Juliana Mwila, Mulenga Kapwepwe, and Nonde Kaniki and Nalumino Chyapeni to serve as directors of ZNBC.

In his presentation to the House yesterday, Committee chairperson, Frank Ng’ambi, said ECZ and ZNBC played a critical role in the democratic dispensation of Zambia.

Mr. Ng’ambi, who is Chifubu MP said it was for this reason that the committee sought qualified and experienced nominees to serve the two institutions.

He said Mr. Simwinga was a legal practitioner with a long illustrious career in the public service having served as town clerk for 19 years and conducted elections at all levels.

Mr. Ng’ambi thanked State security investigative wings and all stakeholder institutions that submitted to the committee and enabled it to make informed recommendations to the House.

“Your Committee carefully selected the witnesses to assist it in scrutinising the suitability of the nominees’ qualities and administrative experience which would be beneficial to the ECZ,” he said

First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Namugala asked the House to vote or not to vote for the nominated candidates to which they responded in the affirmative. Justice Minister Given Lubinda applauded the committee for carrying out a thorough analysis of the candidates. Information and Broadcasting Services minister Dora Siliya expressed happiness that the nominees were found fit to serve as ZNBC directors.

Lumezi MP Gertrude Jere applauded the appointments saying there were more women hence promoting gender equity.