Hichilema pledges to uphold democratic tenets, as US official hails Zambia’s growing influence

President, Hakainde Hichilema, says his administration is committed to ensuring that democratic tenets are upheld throughout his tenure in public office and has since made strides towards fulfilling the commitments and aspirations of the Zambian people.

Addressing the 2nd Summit for Democracy (S4D2) on Thursday in Lusaka, Hichilema said the amending of the Public Order Act (POA), the reopening of media houses that had been closed down by the previous regime were some of the stride’s government has worked on to ensure democracy was entrenched in the country.

Read more: Strengthen institutions of governance, Hichilema tells delegates, as Democracy Summit opens in Lusaka

Hichilema further cited the repealing of the law that criminalise Defamation of the President and abolition of the death penalty as some of the interventions aimed at strengthening democratic space in the country.

“We have lifted the suspension and deregistration of media houses and we commit ourselves that no media house will be shut down under our watch. The duty lies on the media to be responsible and self-regulate itself in line with its mandate, ” he said.

Hichilema said free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy as it ensures credibility in the elections and subsequently legitimacy of any government.

“This achieve needs independent and credible electoral management bodies,” the Head of State said.

United States of America Secretary of Education and head of delegation, Miguel Cardona, described Zambia as a shining spot where young people have raised the bar by seeking public office and deciding the country’s leadership as evidenced by peaceful transition of power in the August 12, 2021 General Elections, describing it as an inspiration to the world.

“Zambia is “Kuchalo,” he said, referring to a local expression meaning the country is now recognised at international level.

Zambia is co-hosting the second Summit for Democracy with the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea under the theme: Free, Fair and Transparent Elections as the Foundation of Democratic Governance.

Contributed by Augustine Sichula

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