By 
Zambia has been rated the best country in Africa on democratic advancements, according to a latest survey released by Afrobarometer.
This pronouncement was made at the ongoing Southern Africa Regional Political party workshop in South Africa on Thursday.
This was after the International Republican Institute (IRI) Workshop in South Africa presented a survey report through Afrobarometer in which Zambia came out the best on the continent.
Zambian political parties have therefore welcomed the survey report by Afrobarometer.
Speaking on the side-lines of the workshop, United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Batuke Imenda, expressed happiness that Zambia had been rated as the best country in Africa.
Read more: Peace, stability in the Southern African region must be preserved- President Hichilema
Imenda said this showed that government had continued to strive and performing well in advancing democracy.
“I am very happy that Zambia is participating at the event that has brought together, not only the ruling and opposition political parties from Zambia, but political parties from the entire SADC region to brainstorm and share best practices on policy development and other areas,” he said.
He said the workshop had provided a platform where political parties could brainstorm on how best and positively they could contribute to a thriving democracy of their country regardless of where they were ruling or in the opposition.
The workshop, he said, had given the political parties an avenue to share knowledge and exchange ideas.
“We would love to continue to be on top of the league. Zambia has great opportunities and this is a huge achievement for the Government and the people of Zambia that our country has been rated the best.
“The New Dawn Government has demonstrated leadership, unity and promoted peace and tranquillity” Imenda said.
And Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General Nickson Chilangwa, said the workshop had given political parties an opportunity to meet, share knowledge, and provide an avenue to engage with different political parties from different countries.
Meanwhile, Acting Secretary General for Party for National Unity and Progress (PNUP) Naku Chivuno, said the workshop was a learning curve for the party as this would help in networking and building relationships with other political parties.
Meanwhile, Choma Central Member of Parliament Cornelius Mweetwa, stated that the workshop was important for political party leaders as they played a major role in shaping society and contributing towards national development.
“Political stability and good governance play a crucial role in achieving desired outcomes such as national development which are key attributes of good governance, transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation and responsiveness to the needs of the people,” Mweetwa said.
IRI is a non – partisan, Non-Governmental Organization based in Washington DC that operates in more than 100 countries globally. In Southern Africa, IRI is implementing a regional program entitled “strengthening political parties through regional exchange and capacity building.
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