Germany envoy urges transparency in elections

Germany envoy urges transparency in elections
By Lenganji Sikapizye
Sun 27 Mar. 2011, 04:01 CAT

THERE is need for this year’s elections to be held under maximum measures of transparency that will build confidence among all political players, says Germany Ambassador to Zambia Frank Meyke.

In an interview on Friday, Ambassador Meyke said the most convincing aspect of this year’s elections will be them being peaceful, successful, free and fair. Ambassador Meyke said this year's polls provided an opportunity for Zambia to convey its image as a stable democracy which implements peaceful and free elections.

“The image that the will of the people prevails in these elections is the most important for foreign investors to gain confidence,” Ambassador Meyke said.

He said the German government and other countries in the European Union would send election observers to Zambia.

Earlier, during the handover of ablution blocks and the rehabilitated water system at Greenhill Orphanage Community School in Lusaka's Chamba Valley area, Ambassador Meyke said the future of Zambia as a successful country depended on well educated people.

“On the foundation of a healthy and well educated population, Zambia will be able to significantly reduce poverty and to become an economically successful country,” said Ambassador Meyke.

And Greenhill Community School director Steriah Tembo bemoaned the poor infrastructure at the institution and called for more help from well-wishers.