Maravi

Zambians need fair elections, says Rupiah

Zambians need fair elections, says Rupiah
By Noel Sichalwe
Saturday August 23, 2008 [04:01]

VICE-President Rupiah Banda yesterday said Zambians cherish their freedom and need fair elections. Vice-President Banda also said the nation looked forward to the leadership of newly appointed Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson justice Florence Mumba during the presidential by-elections to be held within 90 days.

And justice Mumba yesterday described her appointment as a mammoth task.
Swearing in justice Mumba as ECZ chairperson and Marvin Mwanamwambwa as Supreme Court judge at Government House, Vice-President Banda said justice Mumba was the right person to head ECZ.

"I am pleased to perform this auspicious function to swear you as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia. You are well known in the judiciary circles, not only in Zambia and Africa but in the world as you served in the Hague and many other places. The Electoral Commission of Zambia is not a new terrain for you.

You have been there before," Vice-President Banda said. "As you know, the people of Zambia cherish their freedom and need fair elections. You are the right person. As you know, we are going to go into elections soon within the next 90 days and we are looking forward to your leadership during this period.

I am particularly honoured to swear you on behalf of the people of Zambia because the President knew exactly what he was doing when he chose you and I am honoured to be the one to perform this function."

In an interview after being sworn in, justice Mumba said running ECZ was a mammoth task and hoped the nation would support her.

"Today is not for speeches but for thanking God for the appointment," she said.
Vice-President Banda also said judge Mwanamwambwa was a well-known person who has been in the judiciary for a long time. He said judge Mwanamwambwa's elevation to the Supreme Court was natural.

"I would like to encourage you to continue to work hard as you have always done in the past. Your elevation to the Supreme Court is a clear indication of the confidence that the judiciary and our late President had in you. I am happy to be the one to carry out this function and that you are a valuable addition to the judiciary," he said.

The ceremony was attended by many Supreme Court and High Court judges and a few Cabinet ministers.

Labels: ECZ, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 4:25 AM