Programme (UNDP) have today signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the electoral process in Zambia.
The agreement, which will cost about K67.7 billion (US$14.56 million), will run for a period of four years and will be co-financed by the governments of the United Sates of America, Canada, Finland and European Commission.
Finance and National Planning Deputy Minister, Chileshe Kapwepwe, signed on behalf of the Zambian government while UNDP Country Director, Viola Morgan, signed for her organization.
In a speech ready for him by Ms, Kapwepwe, Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said government was committed to improving the electoral environment in the country for people to enjoy their human rights, especially the right to elect leaders.[quote]
Dr. Musokotwane explained that an improved electoral system was cardinal to the achievement of the country’s sustainable development.
He noted that the electoral cycle 2009-2012 agreement, will contribute significantly towards the promotion of good and democratic governance in Zambia.
He said good and democratic governance was cardinal to the attainment of the Fifth National Development Plan activities.
Mr. Situmbeko said through the agreement, Zambia would be able to incorporate lessons that were learnt from the previous general election.
The minister said the project has been designed to support the development of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the departments of National Registration Cards and Passports Office respectively.
He disclosed that from the total agreement of K67.7 billion, about K25.6 billion (US$5.5 million), will go to the ECZ for the effective administration costs, the decentralization of voter’s registration and the linking of the data base to the electoral commissions registration exercise.
Dr. Musokotwane said these were some of core components of the electoral system that could contribute to the strengthening of democratic process in Zambia.
He thanked the UNDP for the support to the electoral process of the country, adding that government will always create an enabling environment for stakeholders that were interested in strengthen democratic values in the country.
And UNDP Country Director, Viola Morgan, disclosed that the main focus of the project will be on the enhancement of capacity building of national institutions in various areas.
Ms. Morgan said this was aimed at not only improving the overall enfranchisement of people but also lowering the cost of elections in the country.
She stressed that there was need for countries to always set solid foundations that could bring about sustainable development based on an inclusive and full participatory electoral systems.
She has since reaffirmed the UNDP’s continued commitment to working with other international community bodies in supporting the Zambian government to address development challenges in governance and economic development.
ZANIS
And the funds come tumbling in…
Am sure the movement for mad dogs are saying twalya agian, good that we have received that money but am so sure there will be completly no accountability afterwards.
Walyako have you also noticed the $ sign in Ms, Kapwepwe’s eyes?
Mistake, that money should have been channeled else where. The guys are gonna use it for campains. Yaba what a mistake….mmmmm awe mwe!!!!!
The funds keep on coming but no tangible development is seen. I wonder where such funds end up!
#5 its simple, there will be workshops after workshops all hosted at some lodge in somewhere in Lusaka.
maybe the funds shud hve been channeled to governance CSOs that engage in civic education and election programmes.
what UNDP needs to do is to channel funds towards anti-rigging activities to keep kalala and his fellow riggers at ECZ & MMD in check.giving them more funds is throwing it in a bottomless pit.
Fred mmembe is a h.o.m.o.s.e.x.u.a.l, he was caught in an olympia guesthouse. Watch muvi tv tonite!
Ba UNZA Student is that breaking news???? Yaba now i miss ZWD, it would have been there by now!
Is homosexuality a crime in zambia
iwe Monk # 9, wer you there when he was caught…wachimumona nishi alelasa? i am sure you are one of the MMD watch dogs….
#11 Sodomy is a crime against humanity, against nature and against life in itself- decadent in every sense. Not only condemnend by the Holy Scriptures but also by every life-promoting religion.
Everything that is against nature cannot last forever and so it shall soon be with sodomy.
#12 lol wasenkesha boyi…mwipushishe umuguys, limbi alimumona nisha alelasa!
LT please correct the impression, that minister is not Mulenga Kapwepwe but Chileshe Kapwepwe. The two are however, twins. Mulenga Kapwepwe is chairperson for the National Arts Council and not deputy minister of finance and national planning. The Minister is Chileshe Kapwepwe, please correct.
I need a job in GRZ Plc. If you can’t beat them join them. Money yabwela again.
Nine Chale I can see the $$$$$$$$$$$$ sign. Ngeyo iya kulasana kunuma imyefu ne imyef ya how???????????????? who is doing who. Is it not the movement for mad dogs propagander!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You people if you want you can fight Frd Membe, but that wont take you anywhere he does not even rule Zambia, he does’nt even have an office at plot one. MY PRAYER IS TO SEE CHANGE IN ZAMBIA THAT’S ALL. Those trying to fight him have got issues to deal with you are afraid of the truth, you dont want us Zambians to know what you have been doing. Gay or Normal BULL let him keep on informing us and let him dig dipper without fear or favour. I have finished naya muku Bumuka
I just hope they can allow a continuous voter registration process. That way we could be encouraged to vote even when we are in the diaspora. Some of the comments are shocking to say the least. We are not positive about our country. We need to change small attitudes that’s when we can dream of big & better things. Right now no one is saying this is good for our electoral system which is the main and only legal way of assuming power. A weak systems encourages mediocre leaders to assume power & plunder our wealth. This is a positive move which should be supported & opposition parties especially should lobby for more literature in various languages on important electoral issues to be distributed freely to Zambians. I don’t like handouts but this gesture is greatly appreciated.
Oh my goodness…looks like we are to have a lovely election…but with the way the boat is sailing…there will be need to do a ka Mugabe! ba tata ba VJ!!!!!!!!!!
#9 UNZA STUDENT, Nga iwe how do you know that Fred is h.o.m.o? It takes a thief to know a thief, ninshi na iwe you also chaya yamene eja. You wanted Fred elo ba kukana?
Free money=Big SMILE
This is a clear indication that the Government is working very hard in order to improve our economy. Come on MMD, keep it up
this shows that the goverment is looking forward to people to have their rights.and the governent is working very hard to imrove keep up god bless.