EU CALLS ON GOV’T TO ENHANCE DEMOCRACY IN ZAMBIA

THE European Union (EU) has called for concerted efforts in enhancing democracy in Zambia and the region as a whole.

Visiting EU Head of Election observation Mission, Maria Arena, says the EU is encouraged with the Zambian government’s determination and willingness to uphold tenets of democracy.

ZANIS reports that Ms Arena said this in Lusaka when she called on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House.

She informed Mr Hichilema that the EU delegation was in Zambia as a follow up on some recommendations for reforms made after the 2021 general elections which saw President Hakainde Hichilema emerge victorious.

“We have common grounds to share especially when it comes to democracy and these are the values we need to build on to grow our countries,’’ Ms Arena said.

“Last time we were here, we made recommendations that will ensure that legal reforms are implemented and streamlining of activities of institutions that work on elections so that Democracy is entrenched,” she said.

And President Hichilema has hailed the EU Zambia partnership in upholding constitutionalism and restoration of peace, rule of law and stability in Zambia and beyond.

Mr Hichilema explained that democracy, good governance and constitutionalism were key components of every country’s economic growth.

The President said Zambia was pleased with the EU’s continued oversight role of ensuring that peace and stability prevailed in Zambia and beyond.

President Hichilema has since assured the EU that the recommendations made were being given full attention.

The Head of State was however quick to mention that the government was still consolidating all other recommendations made by regional bodies such as the Southern African Community SADC, African Union (AU) among others.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has expressed sadness with the ongoing political instability within Africa and the entire World.

The Head of state stated that such instability was affecting other countries including Zambia, hence the need to share challenges and experiences and learn from such especially that Zambia was the chair of the SADC Organ on Politics defence and Security.