Zambian elections to be held on Sept. 20

Zambian President Rupiah Banda has dissolved Cabinet and Parliament ahead of this year's general elections and subsequently announced that elections will be held on Sept. 20.

In an address to the nation broadcast on state television and state radio on Thursday, Banda said he has decided to dissolve Cabinet and parliament in line with the powers vested in him as the country's president.

The Zambian leader said he will continue exercising executive powers, together with his vice and that permanent secretaries will be helping him, until a new government is put in place.

The Zambian leader said he had consulted widely with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and other stakeholders to ascertain the date of the elections, adding that he had been assured that most of the logistics for holding the elections are now ready.

The head of the ECZ said on Wednesday that the organization was ready to conduct this year's general elections, saying preparations have so far reached an advanced stage.

The Zambian leader also thanked his ministers for their commitment to duty, saying his administration has laid a solid foundation for the country.

Banda has also called for peaceful campaigns by all players, saying there is need to respect the revised electoral code of conduct which was launched on Tuesday this week

According to the Zambian laws, elections must be held 90 days after the dissolution of parliament.

Source:Xinhua

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