Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:59:18 +0000
By Oscar Malipenga
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema have agreed to a process of dialogue facilitated by and through the use of the Commonwealth, to prepare a roadmap for the 2021 elections.
The two parties have agreed to move forward from the issues of the 2016 elections for the sake of peace and stability.
A roadmap of reforms pursuant to Commonwealth principles of good practices, governance and the rule of law to be undertaken in preparation for the 2021 elections would be tabled by the two leaders, Commonwealth secretary general Ms Patricia Scotland QC has disclosed.
And Ms Scotland who is former British Attorney General has clarified that no one has powers to discontinue Mr. Hichilema’s treason case apart from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Addressing a press conference on conclusion of Zambia’s peace talks, Ms Scotland said the law must take its due process without anyone’s interference despite reaching an agreement to start the process of dialogue.
She said after holding private talks, both leaders agreed not to look backwards but in order to promote peace, stability and the public good, to look forward to the next election.
Ms Scotland said the roadmap will be created through an inclusive, consultative process which will involve other political parties, civil society, church leaders and other stakeholders.
Ms Scotland said both President Lungu and Mr Hichilema have further agreed that the process of the implementation of the said reforms should be reviewed at the end of 2019 in order to ensure that the preparation and implementation of any such agreed reforms were completed expeditiously and in good time for the said 2021 elections and for the benefit of future elections.
“As an expression of good will and in consideration of the agreement by both President Lungu and Mr. Hichilema to dialogue and peace, and their joint commitment to the proposed roadmap both being men of faith and devoted to the people of Zambia have agreed not to look backwards but in order to promote peace, stability and the public good, to look forward to the next election, to give dialogue, peace and harmony a chance,” Ms Scotland said.
She said both President Lungu and Mr Hichilema have further agreed to take such steps as were within their gift to create an environment that was conducive to peaceful resolution by generating greater and deeper public confidence in their commitment to a constructive, progressive and responsible engagement.
Responding to questions from journalists who wanted to find out whether or not Mr. Hichilema’s treason case would be discontinued following the agreements, Ms Scotland clarified that only the DPP had powers to discontinue the case.
Ms Scotland said she was not in a position to predetermine what the Director of Public Prosecution would decide.
She said both President Lungu and Mr. Hichilema genuinely agreed to enter into the agreements during separate talks.
