Zambia’s democracy impress  forum

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 11:01:15 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

THE young lawmakers’ forum taking place in India has ranked Zambia among the top four countries in Africa that have upheld democracy and the rule of law together with Tanzania, Ghana and Malawi.

According to First Secretary for press and tourism at the Zambian mission in New Delhi, Bangwe Naviley, Chinsali Central Member of Parliament Kalalwe Mukosa said the parliamentarians from 22 African countries there to learn about India’s democracy, were happy with Zambia’s democratic and peace record.

Mr. Mukosa said Zambia had been recognised as one of the countries in Africa which had remained a shining example in peace and democracy which others could emulate by replicating the great strides the country had made in enhancing peace and democracy.

He said that Zambia, just as India, had been recognised as a country with a strong democracy that tolerated divergent and dissenting views with a plural media landscape.

He however said it was saddening that some people were working hard to give a negative impression that Zambia was ungovernable when the world was admiring the country’s political system.

“You can imagine that from the 22 countries, everyone was ranking Zambia among the top four countries leading in democracy just like Tanzania, Ghana, and Malawi,” Mr. Mukosa said.

And Nakonde Member of Parliament Yizukanji Siwanzi observed that the political ties between India and Zambia were cordial as the two countries are former British colonies, members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.

Mr. Siwanzi noted that India had achieved economic emancipation and wanted to invest in friendly countries in Africa such as Zambia by sharing the development path it took.

He said India was interested in investing in Zambia more because of the prevailing peace which was a prerequisite for trade and investment.

Mr. Siwanzi says the lawmakers were impressed with the enthusiasm by India to help Zambia decongest Lusaka City Roads by building four fly-over bridges and expanding existing roads.

He said India was confident of ensuring that the project to build 650 health posts in Zambia succeeded by releasing additional funds.

This came to light when they two legislators called on Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga in the Indian capital.

And Ms. Kapijimpanga expressed gratitude that young people in Zambia were taking up political leadership roles.

She said she was confident that the good practices learnt from India will be put to good use for the good of the people of Zambia, adding that the move to allow young people in politics was an indication that Zambia will not have a leadership vacuum in future.